Texas Revatio Lawyer

Studies have found up to an 84% increased risk of melanoma skin cancer from sildenafil, the active ingredient in Revatio. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed by men with skin cancer who used sildenafil.

Need a Texas Revatio Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

What is Revatio?

Revatio (sildenafil) is a prescription medication for the treatment of adults with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, a condition that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. Revatio is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. and it was approved in June 2005.

Pfizer also makes Viagra, an erectile dysfunction drug that contains the same active ingredient as Revatio (sildenafil), but in lower doses.

How Does Revatio Work?

Revatio works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5). This relaxes the smooth muscles lining blood vessels, which makes it easier for blood to flow into the lungs.

What is the Problem?

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. About 50% of highly-aggressive melanomas have a genetic mutation that naturally blocks PDE5. Unfortunately, studies show that Revatio and other medications that block PDE5 can make melanoma more aggressive.

FDA Investigates Revatio Skin Melanoma Risk

In early 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened an investigation into the risk of skin melanomas from all PDE5-inhibitors, including Revatio and Viagra. Pfizer is already facing dozens of lawsuits for downplaying the risk of melanoma from Viagra.

Revatio Linked to 84% Increased Risk of Melanoma

In 2014, researchers at Harvard published a study linking the use of sildenafil with an 84% increased risk of melanoma. The conclusions were based on data from nearly 26,000 men, including 3,750 who developed skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Other studies have found lower rates of melanoma from sildenafil. One study in 2016 found a 14% increase risk and another study in 2015 found a 21% increased risk.

Revatio May Make Melanoma More Aggressive

The first studies found that blocking PDE5 made melanoma more aggressive, meaning it grew more quickly and spread to other organs. For example, a study in 2011 observed a “dramatic increase in melanoma cell invasion” when PDE5 was blocked. In 2012, a study found that blocking PDE5 stimulated the synthesis of melanin, a substance that fuels the growth of melanoma.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma is diagnosed in about 90,000 people and causes up to 10,000 deaths per year in the United States.

Symptoms of Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma can start anywhere on the body. The first symptom is usually a new, unusual growth (“ugly duckling”) or a change in an existing mole. Unlike moles, which are non-cancerous tumors, melanoma is extremely dangerous.

It can be hard to tell the difference between a mole and melanoma, so here are a few signs:

Asymmetrical shape
Uneven border
Multiple colors
Larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch)
Changes over time
Looks and feels different from other moles
Bleeding or crusting
Itching
Pain or tenderness

Need a Revatio Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Revatio lawyers for a free lawsuit review.