Eli Lilly & Co. is facing a growing number of lawsuits from men who were diagnosed with melanoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer, after taking Cialis for erectile dysfunction.
Overview
Cialis (tadalafil) is a drug for erectile dysfunction that has been on the market since 2003. It increases blood-flow to the penis by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5.
The first study linking PDE5-inhibitors and melanoma was published in 2008. Since then, studies have found that PDE5-inhibitors speed up the development of melanoma and make it more invasive.
Viagra, another erectile dysfunction drug that inhibits PDE5, was associated with an 84% increased risk of melanoma in a study published in 2014. Around 100 lawsuits had been filed by mid-2016.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It starts in melanocytes, which are cells that make skin pigment. It. may resemble a mole. You should contact a doctor immediately if you find a mole with the following symptoms:
- Asymmetrical shape
- Uneven edges
- Multiple colors
- Larger than a pencil eraser (1/4-inch wide)
- Evolves over time
- Bleeding, itching, crusting
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