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Do statins cause impotence?
L. de Graaf, A. H. P. M. Brouwers, & W. L. Diemont, et al. Is decreased libido associated with the use of
HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors? Br J Clin Pharmacol 2004; 58: 326-328
Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, Goudsbloemvallei 7, 5237 MH 's-Hertogenbosch, and General Practice, Pastoor Omenstraat 6, 5121 EN Rijen, the Netherlands
ABSTRACT
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.
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COMMENT: HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors are more commonly known as statins.
There was an article on the BBC news recently the week about drug companies inventing ills for their pills in order to maximise profits. Could it possibly be the case that, by selling more and more men statins — and, thus, reducing their ability to 'get it up' — they are creating a bigger market for their Viagra?
Or am I being cynical?
It could be the case also that low testosterone levels and impotence are caused by low levels of blood cholesterol.
Last updated 9 April 2005
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