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Viagra Label Change

A major Viagra label change was made in July 2005 to reflect numerous reports of serious visual side effects associated with Viagra use. Earlier in 2005, consumers were first informed that the FDA had received over 40 reports of sudden blindness or vision loss in men taking Viagra. The type of vision loss suffered by some Viagra users and described in the Viagra label change is called NAION or non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. This painless condition causes vision loss due to blocked blood flow to the optic nerve.

The Viagra label change states that both the FDA and Pfizer (Viagra's maker) are still unsure whether or not Viagra use increases a patient's risk of suffering serious vision problems. The FDA has approved a Viagra label change and the label changes for two similar erectile dysfunction drugs: Cialis and Levitra. The Viagra label change states that NAION can also occur in men who do not take Viagra.

The Viagra label change states that some men taking Viagra may be at an increased risk of developing NAION. Men who are over the age of 50 may be at a greater risk of developing serious eye conditions while taking Viagra. People with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or certain eye problems, may also be at greater risk, according to the Viagra label change. Smokers may also be at an increased risk of developing NAION.

While the FDA approved the July 2005 Viagra label change, Pfizer adamantly denies that Viagra increases a patient's risk of developing NAION or other vision loss. One Pfizer representative stated, "After more than ten years of rigorous clinical study and worldwide safety monitoring of a medicine used by more than 27 million men, there is no evidence to suggest a link between Viagra and blindness or other serious ocular events." Of the 103 Viagra clinical studies involving more than 13,000 men, not a single case of NAION has been reported.

Despite Pfizer's unyielding denial of the risks contained in the Viagra label change, several medical experts have discovered scientific evidence that Viagra may cause serious vision problems. Viagra has long been known to cause visual side effects, such as changes in blue/green perception and light sensitivity. A Stanford medical study has since discovered that for at least five hours after taking Viagra, electrical measures of retinal function can drop by as much as 50 percent.

Many of the Viagra blindness cases that prompted the Viagra label change were suffered by men with no history of vision problems very shortly after taking Viagra. One lawsuit has already been filed against Pfizer for failing to inform patients of the serious vision risks associated with Viagra.

If you have questions about what the Viagra label change means for you or a loved one, you may wish to contact your physician to discuss your concerns in greater detail. If you have been injured by Viagra, please contact us to confer with a qualified attorney.

Contact a Viagra Recall Lawyer

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.