Viagra, the erectile dysfunction drug developed by Pfizer Inc., is now being associated with nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or loss of sight. According to recent physician reports, Viagra may be linked with lack of blood being supplied to the optic nerve. This lack of blood can cause temporary or permanent blindness in one or both eyes.
Health officials have told CBS News that they are now investigating the possible link between Viagra, temporary blindness, and partial vision loss. There has always been a warning that Viagra can cause blurriness, abnormal vision, or a bluish tint in vision, but until now, blindness has not been added to the list of possible side effects. Reports of 38 men who took Viagra and developed nonarteric ischaemic optic neuropathy are now warranting a second look at the drug.
NAION is a condition of sudden blindness that can occur when there is swelling around the optic disc. The optic disc is the connection point where the optic nerves reach the back of the eye. This swelling causes a compression of the optic nerves and leads to a sudden drop in visual ability. The symptoms are painless, and occur without notice. Usually NAION starts in one eye and can cause complete blindness if it spreads to both eyes.
It is reported that 19 percent of all cases of NAION since 1998 were among Viagra users. Because of this, many people are calling out for a "black box" warning label for the drug, saying that the drug can induce blindness in users. In July, 2005, the FDA released an alert that "a small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye some time after taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra."
Other side effects of Viagra include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, rash, and nasal congestion.
The number of Viagra personal injury lawsuits may be increasing due to the fact that over 23 million men have used the drug worldwide since its introduction in 1998.
Since there may be time limits to commencing a Viagra personal injury lawsuit, you should contact The Stipe Law Firm Viagra lawyers as soon as possible to have your claim evaluated by one of our experienced pharmaceutical litigation and Viagra lawyers.
If you or a family member has been the victim of Viagra side effects including temporary or permanent blindness, please see a doctor. Also, it is important to contact an experienced Oklahoma Viagra lawyer to protect your legal Viagra lawsuit rights.
Contact The Stipe Law Firm immediately to find out if you have a Viagra side effects personal injury claim. The Stipe Law Firm has offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and McAlester, Oklahoma and they are associated with personal injury lawyers in Louisiana, California, New York, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri.
