Simvastatin Side Effects: Impotence
Many men ask the following question: Do simvastatin side effects include impotence? As a rule, impotence is not mentioned in the list of simvastatin side effects on the drug datasheets because the major trials do not report the effect of simvastatin on men’s sexual function. However, impotence may be associated with this medication. There were several clinical cases reported in Australia where impotence seemed to occur as one of simvastatin side effects. Specifically, there were 42 cases of impotence associated with simvastatin. In 35 of the mentioned 42 cases simvastatin was the only medication implicated which possibly points to the effect on nervous system. However, simvastatin related impotence proved to be reversible and the normal sexual function usually restored within 2 weeks after discontinuing simvastatin.
On the one hand, simvastatin might cause impotence either by affecting the central nervous system by passing through the blood-brain barrier or by interacting with other drugs. On the other hand, middle aged and elderly men with heart and blood pressure troubles often develop impotence; the same group is frequently prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs. This means that impotence should not necessarily be regarded as a simvastatin side effect.
Should I Refuse Simvastatin for Fear of Impotence?
The good news for men taking simvastatin in that impotence associated with medication is reversible and the sexual function is fully restored when the medication is discontinued. If you cholesterol levels are abnormally high and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise do not seem to help, simvastatin or other medications suggested by your doctor may be the only way to lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood. So what is the right choice: taking simvastatin and compromising sexual performance or eliminating possible risks for the sexual life but preserving the dangerously high levels of bad lipids? If you future health and survival depend on simvastatin and your doctor’s recommendation is to take simvastatin then you should follow your doctor’s advice.
Filed under: Side Effects of Simvastatin
