SAN FRANCISCO – An Ohio man is suing Pfizer Inc. over allegations that one of its prescription drugs caused cancer.
Michael L. Piersol filed a complaint on April 1 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Pfizer Inc. citing breach of implied warranty, breach of express warranty, fraud, negligence and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that in 2009 and 2010, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when a biopsy was conducted on his left shoulder and his neck. He alleges this was caused by his continued use of Viagra. The plaintiff holds Pfizer Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly knew about the harmful effects of Viagra when it tested sildenafil on rats. Despite knowing the harmful effects of the drug, the defendant allegedly chose to distribute it without providing any warnings and precaution on the drug's label.
The plaintiff seeks trial by jury, all damages to be determined in trial, all legal fees and any other relief as the court deems just. He is represented by Gary L. Wilson of Robins Kaplan LLP in Los Angeles and Munir R. Meghjee and Troy F. Tatting of Robins Kaplan LLP in Minneapolis.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Case number 4:16-cv-01653-KAW