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drug_recall viagraViagra vision loss has become the subject of controversy and concern in medical circles throughout the world. In recent years, several cases of Viagra vision loss have been discovered in patients taking this popular erectile dysfunction (ED drug). The first case of Viagra vision loss was reported by a University of Minnesota ophthalmologist in 2000, who has since discovered 14 cases of Viagra vision loss in his practice alone. The FDA is currently investigating 50 cases of Viagra vision loss in men who have taken the blockbuster impotency drug Viagra.
Viagra was the first impotency drug of its kind approved for use in the United States. FDA approved in March of 1998, Viagra has been used by 23 million men worldwide to enhance bedroom performance and satisfaction. Reports of Viagra side effects have included gastrointestinal upset, headaches, urinary tract infections, erection lasting up to four hours or more, and vision problems like increased light sensitivity and blue/green color disturbances. Viagra use is contraindicated in patients with heart, kidney, or liver problems, blood pressure conditions, and use of nitrate drugs. Many of these risk factors are also risks thought to be related to Viagra vision loss.
Viagra’s maker, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, has argued that none of its 103 Viagra clinical trials has produced evidence of an increased risk of Viagra vision loss. Approximately 13,000 men have participated in Pfizer-sponsored Viagra clinical trials and not one case of Viagra vision loss has been reported. Pfizer experts argue that cases of vision loss in Viagra patients may be related to other health risks and is not caused by Viagra use. The FDA is currently investigating Viagra vision loss cases.
Viagra vision loss is caused by a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION. NAION affects 6000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of fifty. NAION restricts the flow of blood through the optic nerve to the eyes and can eventually lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. NAION symptoms are typically painless, appear without notice and are often discovered upon waking in the morning. Ophthalmologists have discovered that a simple screening test can help detect some of the factors that may increase a patient’s risk of developing Viagra vision loss.
In June of 2005, a civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Texas man who suffers from permanent Viagra vision loss. This lawsuit alleges that Pfizer has failed to adequately warn patients about the risk of Viagra vision loss. The plaintiff is seeking approximately $75,000 in damages and wishes to gain class action status so that other men who have suffered from Viagra vision loss can also seek relief for their losses and suffering.
Through their investigation, the FDA hopes to create a more definitive picture of Viagra vision loss risks. If you are concerned about Viagra vision loss, you may wish to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing your treatment with your health care provider. If you- like many others- have suffered Viagra vision loss, you may wish to contact a qualified and experienced attorney who can determine your legal rights and options.
Several high profile groups around the country, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) based in Los Angeles, CA are calling on Pfizer to remove advertising for Viagra that the groups say promotes unsafe activity.
The full-page ads ran ...
Canada has issued an advisory regarding the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, alerting patients to “seek immediate medical attention” if they experience sudden vision loss or other vision-related problems when taking the medication...
Republic Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, says he is “troubled” by how long it is taking the FDA to change Viagra labeling to include a possible link to vision loss that has been reported to the agency in 38 ...