Is decreased libido associated with the use of HMG‐CoA‐reductase inhibitors?

Aims and methods To describe patients with decreased libido during use of a HMG‐CoA‐reductase‐inhibitor, and to discuss causality and pharmacological hypotheses for this association by analysis of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) database of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. Results Ei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of clinical pharmacology 2004-09, Vol.58 (3), p.326-328
Main Authors: De Graaf, L., Brouwers, A. H. P. M., Diemont, W. L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
decreased libido
decreased testosterone
Drug toxicity and drugs side effects treatment
Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated - adverse effects
Humans
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - adverse effects
Hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Hypercholesterolemia - drug therapy
Indoles - adverse effects
Libido - drug effects
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous (drug allergy, mutagens, teratogens...)
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Pravastatin - adverse effects
Short Reports
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Summary:Aims and methods To describe patients with decreased libido during use of a HMG‐CoA‐reductase‐inhibitor, and to discuss causality and pharmacological hypotheses for this association by analysis of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) database of the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. Results Eight patients were identified as having decreased libido during use of statins. In two of these cases testosterone levels were determined and appeared to be decreased. Conclusion Decreased libido is a probable adverse drug reaction of HMG‐CoA‐reductase‐inhibitors and is reversible. The ADR may be caused by low serum testosterone levels, mainly due to intracellular cholesterol depletion.
ISSN:0306-5251
1365-2125
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02128.x