Viagra Injury Lawyers

Orlando, Florida

Viagra (generic sildenafil citrate) is a drug manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company and is prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ED (erectile dysfunction), sometimes referred to as “impotence,” is the repeated inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Viagra increases the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra was first introduced in the United States in 1998 and has become one of the most well-known drugs of all time.

But for two years now there has been an alarming number of men reporting vision problems and blindness after taking Viagra.

Since 1998, 23 million men have used Viagra. When Viagra was introduced in 1998, it was an instant hit to treat impotence and different degrees of erectile dysfunction. Within two weeks, despite its high cost, doctors were writing more than 100,000 prescriptions a week for their male patients. After three months of its launch, over 2 million Viagra prescriptions were written in the United States alone.

Viagra has been a generally well-tolerated drug, but there are side effects associated with the drug including:

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Upset stomach
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Stuffy nose

Viagra Blindness
But for two years now there has been an alarming number of men reporting vision problems and even complete blindness after taking Viagra. Viagra blindness is a potentially devastating side effect that has been under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Viagra blindness is caused by a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This causes a restriction in blood flow to the optic nerve, which can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

Concerns about Viagra blindness first surfaced with patient reports of developing vision problems and, in some cases, complete blindness, after taking Viagra in early 2000. In the past several years, the FDA has received many more reports of blindness in men who have taken Viagra.

Since 2005, several lawsuits against Pfizer have been filed by men who took the drug and later experienced vision problems or complete blindness. Lawsuits allege that Pfizer has failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risk of Viagra blindness.

Pfizer has refuted claims that the drug caused vision problems, and, instead, states that some of the underlying causes and conditions related to erectile dysfunction may also predispose an individual to developing serious vision problems.

If you or a loved one has taken Viagra and has suffered vision problems or blindness, please contact our Orlando, Florida pharmaceutical injury attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation.