Viagra recall likely

The debate is about NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), which causes sudden vision loss when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked. Optic nerve plays a critical role in vision. NAION is considered to be one of the most common causes of sudden vision loss in older Americans. Risk factors include diabetes and heart disease, which also happen to be the leading causes of impotence.  In a study by the scientists at the University of Alabama they found that men who had suffered a heart attack (South Beach Heart Program) were 10 times more likely to have optic nerve damage if they had been taking any of the drugs like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. "For patients with a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), we did observe a strong and statistically significant association suggestive of a link between the use of Viagra and/or Cialis and an increased risk of NAION," Dr Gerald McGwin, who headed the study, said in a report in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Pfizer has agreed to change the label despite arguing that no link has been found between Viagra and blindness.  In related developments, a safety officer at the FDA found exactly what the University of Minnesota scientists had found more than a year ago, but like for all other drugs like Prozac, Adderall, Accutane, Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra, Crestor, Natrecor, Iressa, etc., either the FDA refused to act or acted too slowly in banning them.  In other words, FDA seems to be too close to the drug companies rather than working to ensure drug safety in America.  The safety officer’s experience was outlined in a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford from Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who said the agency had moved far too slowly on an emerging safety concern.

Pfizer has market Viagra aggressively, as it did it other drugs, including Celebrex and Bextra.  The FDA has in a few instances warned Pfizer about misleading ads.  FDA advises patients to stop taking these medicines, and call a doctor or healthcare provider right away if they experience sudden or decreased vision loss in one or both eyes. Further, patients taking or considering taking these products should inform their health care professionals if they have ever had severe loss of vision, which might reflect a prior episode of NAION. Such patients are at an increased risk of developing NAION again.

Links to new articles on Viagra and blindness linkage

Viagra is not always the best option to cure ED       Viagra lawsuit against Pfizer filed

Revatio, a form of Viagra, approved by FDA      Viagra class action lawsuits begin

Pfizer defends Viagra and its safety record     Intimacy is critical for a healthy relationship

Viagra and blindness link being investigated by the FDA    Avandia recall

Bextra recall helps with Celebrex sales       Viagra recall   Viagra causes hearing loss