James Thompson filed suit in federal court in Houston, TX, today against Pfizer, Inc., makers of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. Thompson alleges he lost much of his sight a few hours after taking Viagra. His suit claims that Pfizer, Inc. knew of the risks of blindness and other eye complications in patients taking Viagra but did not report it.

The FDA is investigating over 40 reported cases of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, in men who used impotence drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. NAION is a result of blood loss to the optic nerve. Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs affect blood flow and blood pressure.

Source: “Texas man files first Viagra lawsuit,” United Press International, June 9, 2005.