Viagra (sildenafil) was launched by Pfizer in 1998 as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and quickly became one of the best-selling drugs in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. More than 23 million men have used Viagra in the eight years since its release.

Because of its rapid approval by the FDA, little was known about potential Viagra side effects when the drug was first released.

Reports have since emerged that link Viagra to a serious eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and to an increased risk of heart problems.

Viagra can lead to NAION
NAION (sometimes called a stroke of the eye) occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is cut off. Viagra releases a chemical into the bloodstream that constricts the arteries, preventing blood flow to the optic nerve. This can lead to a loss of vision or blindness in one or both eyes. NAION can occur within 24 to 36 hours of taking Viagra.

So far there have been more than 140 known cases of partial or total blindness in patients taking Viagra and more than 800 cases of vision problems; this number is expected to climb, however, as patients and physicians become more aware of the link between Viagra and vision loss.

Heightened risk of cardiovascular events
Viagra use has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. More than 1,400 such events were recorded among Viagra users by the FDA before 2000, including 522 deaths.

Most of these men were under 65 years old and had no previous symptoms of heart disease. Patients who are taking nitrates for coronary heart disease along with Viagra may also experience a swift drop in blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

If you have taken Viagra and have experienced any serious side effects, call attorney Sam Levine toll-free at (888) 404-LAWYER or fill out our online contact form.