Is decreased libido associated with the use of HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors?
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, Goudsbloemvallei 7, 5237 MH 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. l.degraaf@lareb.nl
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de Graaf
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Brouwers
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Diemont
D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007211:Indoles; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D017035:Pravastatin