With the approval of the highly-anticipated generic version of Viagra in June 2018, drug manufacturers have rebranded their products as “generic Viagra” and “equivalent drugs” to capitalize on the buzz surrounding the upcoming cost-saving therapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of the drug also known by the brand names Sildenafil, Revatio, and Viagra Professional, among others. Many men have been able to avoid the high costs associated with branded Viagra and have the opportunity to try a generic alternative for the first time. The upcoming launch of generic Viagra represents a significant market segment worth billions of dollars.
One of the top questions pharmacists and doctors are asking is: Is Viagra linked to cancer? Based on the results of recently completed and upcoming clinical trials, it appears that the answer is yes. Here are the facts:
What Is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (e.d.) in men. Specifically, Viagra is used to treat low blood pressure during arousal (abnormally low blood pressure or ALB) and to boost blood flow to the penis. It is one of the most popular medications prescribed for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and has been shown to increase the size of the penis, improve sexual desire, and increase stamina in men. Learn more at viagrabust.com.
How Is It Possible That A Drug Could Cause Cancer?
Although Viagra is approved by the FDA for treating erectile dysfunction and has been shown to boost the libido and overall well-being of men, it cannot be denied that it is associated with cancer. After completing a clinical trial for kidney cancer, Eli Lilly and Co. discovered a correlation between Viagra use and the development of kidney cancer. The finding was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in 2018 and has sparked renewed interest in the connection between drugs and cancer. A recent article published by the AACR points out that there have been several studies establishing a link between ED and bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and, most strikingly, kidney cancer. The association between Viagra and the development of these cancers has not been fully explained, but the evidence certainly suggests a cause for concern.
Clinical Trials
Since the early 2000s, several large-scale, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been conducted to assess the correlation between Viagra use and the development of cancer. The majority of those studies have focused on men with kidney disease, but newer trials are now enrolling participants who are at risk of developing certain types of cancer. While awaiting the outcomes of those trials, the evidence strongly links Viagra with cancer and raises serious questions about the safety of the drug. To be clear, Viagra is not proven to cause cancer directly, but the evidence certainly suggests there’s a connection.
What About Other Drugs?
Before concluding that Viagra is potentially dangerous, it is important to mention that there are a number of other medications that have been linked to cancer. For instance, statins are used to treat high cholesterol and have been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer. However, some studies have suggested that taking statins may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. The evidence is not conclusive, but it’s something to think about if you’re already taking a medication to treat another medical condition.
The list of potentially dangerous drugs is extensive, and it includes well-known names such as Viagra and statins. Based on the results of recent clinical trials, it appears that these drugs are not necessarily linked to cancer, but the evidence raises serious questions about their safety. If you’re concerned about the risks associated with these kinds of medication, it may be a good idea to speak with your doctor about alternatives or to switch to a safer and more effective treatment. For more information, visit medicinenet.com.