Viagra/Cialis/Levitra Injury Claims

How does Viagra work?

How long has Viagra been on the market? How many men have taken Viagra?

How many cases of blindness have been reported?

When was the potential problem with Viagra and the other impotence drugs discovered?

How long has Pfizer known about Viagra's possible link to blindness?

What does Pfizer say about all of this?

What should I do if I have taken Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra and subsequently suffered vision problems?

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works by slightly dilating your arteries to increase the flow of blood to your penis. Although no cause-and-effect link has been established, some experts believe that Viagra could have a similar effect on the optic nerve. By affecting the blood flow to the optic nerve, Viagra could be responsible for close to fifty cases of blindness so far.

Back to Top

How long has Viagra been on the market? How many men have taken Viagra?

Viagra was approved in 1998. Levitra and Cialis in 2003. While the sales of these impotence drugs exceed $5 billion, over 32 million men worldwide have taken Viagra.

Back to Top

How many cases of blindness have been reported?

So far, the FDA has 42 reports of the blindness, 38 among users of Viagra and four among users of Cialis.

Back to Top

When was the potential problem with Viagra and the other impotence drugs discovered?

The issue became public in March 2005 when an opthamology journal reported on seven patients who suffered NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) within 36 hours of taking Viagra. There is no proof of a link, but the author of the report, Dr. Howard Pomeranz, an eye specialist at the University of Minnesota, has said it seems logical that there could be some connection since Viagra works by affecting blood flow, also a cause of NAION. (Viagra dilates arteries to increase blood flow to the penis. NAION occurs when there is blockage of blood to the optic nerve.) Public concern was heightened after CBS News reported on May 26, 2005 that the FDA was investigating 43 reports of blindness. CBS said the agency was "urgently meeting" with experts and Pfizer" and quoted an FDA medical supervisor as saying, "We're very concerned."

Back to Top

How long has Pfizer known about Viagra's possible link to blindness?

In a press release, Pfizer states that "there is no evidence showing that NAION occurred more frequently in men taking Viagra than men of similar age and health who did not take Viagra."

Back to Top

What does Pfizer say about all of this?

Pfizer executives have said that studies show no more evidence of vision loss among men who took Viagra than those who did not. Yet there is anecdotal evidence that there may be link, including the report by Dr. Pomeranz and the experience of Jimmy Grant, a 57-year-old man cited in the CBS News report. Grant said he experienced pressure in his temples and color changes in his vision within 45 minutes to an hour after taking Viagra. He later went blind. Grant is now reportedly suing Pfizer.

Back to Top

What should I do if I have taken Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra and subsequently suffered vision problems?

If you have suffered vision problems that you believe were caused by Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, contact us immediately for a free evaluation of your claim. We are experienced in bringing class action lawsuits against pharmaceutical manufacturers and getting our clients the compensation they deserve.

Back to Top

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Viagra, Cialis or Levitra or another a defective drug, you need a law firm with the resources and experience to bring you justice. Please call or email the experienced attorneys at Kline & Specter. We'll evaluate your claim for free and we don't get paid unless you do. Our expertise will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-597-9585

or

Click here to contact us.

This page was last updated on January 31, 2007.