Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer, is used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra was the first erectile dysfunction drug of its kind to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Like most drugs, Viagra carries some side-effects that should be considered. Men taking medicines that contain nitrates should be advised not to take Viagra. In a number of cases, side-effects have caused more severe injuries leading to litigation concerning the dangers of Viagra.
Some of the minor side-effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Facial Flushing
- Prolonged Erections
- Dyspepsia (abdominal pain, bloating)
Viagra: Vision Loss
Attention has been brought to a number of cases of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) associated to the use of Viagra. This is characterized as a stroke of the eye and occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked. Patients suffering from NAION have had arteriosclerotic risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia along with low cup to disk ratios (blood vessels and nerves are tightly bundled together into the small space in the back of the eye.) The onset of NAION directly after the ingestion of Viagra supports an association between the two.
This results in nerve injury and permanent vision loss. In some cases men showed symptoms of NAION within 36 hours of taking Viagra. Extra precaution should be taken by doctors to detect a low cup to disk ratio when prescribing Viagra.
Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen have extensive experience in cases involving injury or wrongful death associated with prescription drugs. Contact us to set an appointment with an attorney to discuss your case.
