Levitra, a drug co-marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline, is used to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow. ED is not a life-threatening condition, but in recent years, marketing efforts have turned it into a mainstream subject of conversation, thereby causing many men to become increasingly concerned if they cannot get or maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

Because Levitra changes the flow of blood so dramatically, it can cause a number of side effects. Those include the following, in no particular order: priapism (an erection that doesn’t go away after an appropriate amount of time has passed – usually 4 hours); vision problems (some men have reported symptoms that mimic “color blindness”); indigestion; nausea; dizziness; and headache.

Most disturbing, however, is according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “a small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye some time after taking Levitra…” (FDA Alert, 7/2005)

The FDA cautions men who have had heart problems, low blood pressure (or uncontrolled high blood pressure); liver problems; stomach ulcers; Peyronie’s disease; blood cell problems (i.e., multiple myeloma or sick cell anemia) to avoid using Levitra. Additional contraindications have been noted, and men who are over 50 years old, have diabetes, and/or have high cholesterol have been urged to avoid using Levitra. (As an “FYI”, women and children shouldn’t use Levitra under any circumstances.)

Unfortunately, possibly because Levitra has been marketed in such a casual manner, its use has taken an almost “recreational” turn. Men with and without ED have used the medication in an effort to sustain or stimulate sexual activities, sometimes with life-altering consequences such as vision problems.

Our law firm is concerned that, due to the plethora of reports of Levitra’s adverse side effects have surfaced, the drug might be unsafe. Though it has not been proven to be “defective” by the FDA, the many questions raised by the rising number of lawsuits raise grave concerns as to whether the drug was substantially studied before being introduced into the public’s blood stream.

If you have taken Levitra and suffered needlessly due to the medication, we encourage you to contact our offices today. Call or send an email and a professional legal representative will get back to you shortly to discuss your situation. You may be entitled to restitution under the law, and as attorneys devoted to the protection of consumers, we won’t stop fighting until you get the monetary compensation you deserve.