Viagra News and Research

Viagra (sildenafil) is an erectile dysfunction drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra in 1998. It is the most popular ED medication on the market. Pfizer was the first company to manufacture this drug. Today, there are dozens of ED drugs available, such as Cialis and Levitra. Still, millions of Americans take Viagra every year.

While Viagra is effective at treating sexual dysfunction issues in men, there is little evidence that it helps women. Some doctors also prescribe Viagra for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug also has an off-label use for Raynaud's phenomenon.

Over the years, clinical studies have shown that Viagra carries dangerous side effects. This includes:

• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Cardiovascular disease
• Persistent erections

Here, we'll briefly discuss the health risks associated with Viagra. We'll also describe some recent news and research on this sexual function medication.

How Does Viagra Work?

Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. It works by blocking the phosphodiesterase 5 enzymes that regulate blood flow to the penis. Penile blood flow is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.

Young men and older adults take Viagra. Anybody who is having trouble with erectile function may use Viagra. A study shows that women may even use Viagra if they're having trouble with their sex lives.

Adverse Side Effects of Viagra

Before we get into recent news about Viagra research and lawsuits, it's worth discussing the side effects of Viagra. This "little blue pill" is popular, but men who take this drug are at risk of developing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects.

The adverse health risks of Viagra include:

• Headache
• Painful, persistent erection
• Indigestion
• Sudden vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Cardiovascular issues

One of the most serious side effects of Viagra is the risk of heart disease. Some men who take Viagra suffer heart attacks or heart failure. This is true for most PDE5 inhibitors.

Who Should Avoid Taking Viagra?

Viagra is the most popular treatment option for men having a hard time enjoying sexual activity. New treatments appear on the market all the time. But, Viagra is still the most popular. There are some patients who can develop life-threatening complications after taking the drug.

Anybody taking nitrates for heart disease should avoid taking Viagra. The same is true for people with high blood pressure. When taken in combination with nitrates, Viagra can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Men with cardiovascular disease should also avoid taking this medication.

Pfizer Settles Patent Lawsuit Against TEVA Pharmaceuticals

In December 2013, Pfizer settled a long-running lawsuit against rival drug manufacturer Teva. Teva tried to submit a generic version of Viagra to the FDA for approval. Pfizer's patent on the drug wasn't set to expire until April 2020.

The two pharmaceutical companies arrived at a settlement on Dec. 17, 2013. According to the settlement, Teva could start marketing its generic version of the ED drug starting Dec. 11, 2017. The drug company has to pay Pfizer royalties on all sales of the generic medication.

Viagra Lawsuits

Since the FDA approved Viagra, Pfizer has faced its share of lawsuits. Many of the claims against Pfizer involved allegations that Viagra caused:

• Heart problems
• Vision loss
• Skin cancer

The drug company has resolved most of the heart and vision loss lawsuits. But, there are still hundreds of lawsuits pending in federal court alleging that Pfizer's ED drug causes melanoma. Plaintiffs have argued that Pfizer knew their drug caused skin cancer and failed to warn health care providers and the public.

In 2016, courts consolidated the Viagra melanoma cases into one multi-district litigation (MDL) in California. The plaintiffs in the California MDL named Pfizer and Eli Lilly in their lawsuits. In April 2020, the federal judge granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants.

The judge excluded the plaintiffs' expert witness. Without their expert testimony, there wasn't enough evidence to prove that Viagra caused skin cancer.

Viagra May Help Infants with Neonatal Encephalopathy

A study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that Viagra may help infants suffering from lack of oxygen at birth. Most doctors attempt to treat this condition (neonatal encephalopathy) with therapeutic hypothermia. Only 29% of infants respond to this treatment.

Clinical trials at Montreal Children's Hospital seem promising. This is in the first phase of research. But, researchers reported that using Viagra to help repair signs of brain damage in newborns appears to be safe and effective.

Researchers Suggest ED Drugs May Improve Men's Heart Health

A January 2023 study shows that Viagra and other ED medications may help reduce the risk of Type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in men. The study looked at how various ED drugs, including sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, impact heart health in men.

All these drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors. They increase the production of cyclic guanosine monosulphate in the body which helps relax smooth muscles. ED medications help relax artery walls, improving blood flow to the heart and circulation.

The study found that men who took Viagra and other ED prescription medications may improve their cardiovascular health. This is in direct opposition to early reports that Viagra may cause heart disease.

New Studies Show Viagra May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

In February 2024, the American Academy of Neurology published a study on the use of Viagra to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. The study found that men who took ED drugs, such as Viagra, were 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer's.

The study followed participants for five years. The average age of the men in the study was 59 years old. Since Viagra increases blood flow to the brain, it cuts down on the energy neurons use in the brain. This helps prevent cognitive decline.

This study confirmed findings in a National Institute on Aging study that found that men who took Viagra reduced their risk of Alzheimer's by 69%.

Should You Contact a Product Liability Lawyer?

If you or a loved one suffered harm after taking Viagra, you may have a valid legal claim. Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may be able to sue Pfizer or other ED drug manufacturers. Contact a product liability attorney near you to schedule a free case evaluation.