Vietnam, Israel, Egypt and other countries that have banned Viagra over fears of the drugs side effects can take a chill pill -- Pfizer today announced that the six men who died while taking the drug had suffered heart attacks or strokes after sex, or had been on heart medication -- risks highlighted on Viagras label. The deaths had raised fears that renewed potency may come at a heavy price.
A New York woman is considering suing Pfizer after her common-law husband left home with a bottle of Viagra, leaving a note boasting of his renewed vigor and telling her their 10-year relationship was over. "The makers of Viagra should be liable for something like this," said the womans attorney, Dominic Barbara. "It's like giving a loaded gun to someone who has not been trained to shoot."
States are considering asking Congress for help if theyre forced to make Medicaid cover Viagra. The National Governors Association believes the drugs popularity could add $100 million to their Medicaid costs, and want the right to refuse coverage. "We think there's great potential for it becoming a street drug," said Frances Tarlton of the New York State health department. "If we are forced to cover it, we would put in place some very stringent rules."