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Viagra® Deaths

Several reports of Viagra® deaths have raised concern over the safety of this popular erectile dysfunction prescription medication. Pfizer's blockbuster drug, Viagra® (Sildenafil citrate), received FDA approval in March 1998 to treat male impotency. Viagra® has been used by over 27 million American males since its introduction on the market, though not without reports of serious side effects.

In 2000, controversy peaked over Viagra® death reports indicating that this drug may cause fatal side effects in otherwise healthy young men. A study published in March 2000 found that of the 1,473 adverse drug events reported the FDA within two years, 564 Viagra® deaths were reported. Most of these Viagra® deaths were caused by cardiovascular complications.

These Viagra® deaths were found in cases of typical, rather than exceptional, Viagra® use. Of these Viagra® deaths, most men were younger than 65 years old and had no history of cardiovascular problems or risk factors. Seventy percent of these Viagra® deaths involved the standard recommended dosage of 50 milligrams. The majority of these men died between four and five hours after taking Viagra®.

Viagra® deaths have also been well-documented in cases where the patient took Vioxx while receiving nitrate therapy. Concurrent use of Viagra® and nitrates enhances the effect of both medications and can drastically lower a patient's blood pressure. This effect can cause heart attacks and lead to Viagra® deaths. Any patient taking Viagra® should first discuss all use of prescription and over-the-counter medications with his physician to ensure that this medication is appropriate for him.

A patient should also discuss with his doctor his full medical history and any conditions he may currently have. This is important because certain conditions can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events that could lead to Viagra® deaths. Patients with a history of cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure, heart disease, low blood pressure or blood volume, active coronary ischemia, or other conditions, may not be appropriate candidates for Viagra® use.

In addition to Viagra® deaths reported since this drug's approval, serious injuries have also been linked to Viagra® use. Serious cardiovascular conditions which have been linked to Viagra® use include: heart attack, blood clots, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, chest pain, blood pressure changes, and sudden death. Side effects of Viagra® may also lead to serious vision problems. Viagra® use has been linked to over 40 reports of a condition called NAION (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy), which can lead to loss of vision and blindness.

If you or a loved one is taking Viagra®, you may wish to speak with your health care provider to learn the signs and symptoms of adverse cardiovascular events. If you would like to learn more about Viagra® deaths or you have been seriously injured by Viagra® use, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney in your area.

More Viagra® Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Viagra.com - Official site of Viagra, a product of Pfizer.