What does Pfizer say about viagra and blindness? Viagra About What does Pfizer say about viagra and blindness? Link Between Viagra and Blindness: According to recent reports put forward by the researchers at the University of Minnesota, Viagra leads to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION.
Pfizer Inc., the world famous pharmaceutical company that manufactures erectile dysfunction medicines states that there isn’t any solid evidence that Viagra leads to blindness. An official of this company however did make it clear that the drug maker discussed with the Food and Drug Administration of the United States about including a confession to Viagra's label informing that in exceptional cases men taking this medicine had developed blindness. The official further stated that men taking viagra often experience symptoms like high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. It is believed that these symptoms are related to the conditions that lead to NAION.
In 2000, Dr. Howard Pomeranz, MD and an eye specialist reported a case of a man who had developed NAION soon after taking Viagra. In fact, he was the first person who claimed that viagra could lead to NION. Since then various other NAION related cases have been brought into light. These cases are related to people who are taking viagra. Another study issued recently by Dr. Pomeranz reported about seven new case records where 14 men developed NION possibly after taking Viagra. In the meantime, the FDA has also stated that they were examining similar reports in nearly 50 men. Though Pfizer Inc in no way admits that some people taking Viagra have reported loss of vision, yet the company states that there isn’t sufficient proof to support their statement that Viagra leads to blindness. Pfizer does states however that this medicine lead to certain vision issues which occur on rare occasions, like blurred or bluish vision, or eyes developing sensitivity to light. Though Pfizer looks forward to change its warning label, yet it is not prepared to acknowledge the fact that Viagra may lead to blindness. Till date there have been more than 23 million people taking Viagra worldwide. Out of this, nearly 50 men have reported nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or blindness over the past seven years. In addition to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are certain impotence drugs that lead to NAION or blindness in men. However, men opting for viagra run at a greater risk of developing blindness or NAION as compared to men taking Cialis and Levitra. Pfizer claims that outside the clinical trials of Viagra the reports pertaining to acute visual loss have turned out to be extremely rare because of NAION. People with poor eyesight in general run at a higher risk of developing NAION. In addition to them, people having high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes are also prone to develop NAION. Moreover, neither of the aforementioned systematic disorders is strongly related to NAION, though diabetes does account for an insignificant number of cases. This disease can turn out to be quite disabling, particularly if it affects both the eyes. Moreover, as there isn’t any successful treatment program for treating this eye problem, NAION can disrupt the life of a person to a considerable extent. Though things are still stirring up in the air regarding Viagra causing blindness, yet Pfizer stands firmly behind this drug as well as its effectiveness. | 