Does Lipitor Lower Libido?

Can you comment on the website on sexual side effects of statins on women? My physician insisted on putting me on a statin, even though I have had difficulty with some of them when tried before (I do have terrible cholesterol numbers). The current one I am on a trial of is Crestor. Am already on Niacin as well.

Thank you, this would be much appreciated.

After much study, I've come to the conclusion that statin drugs are the 'HRT' of the 21st century. My husband had libido issues, and slowly lost strength in his legs. I believe that statin side effects are under reported, and that they cause more muscle damage than is tracked.

I was on Lipitor for several years and just recently, within the last four months was switched to Zocor for insurance reasons. I've not been feeling well on Zocor and I now have an ED problem that I never had before and Viagra does not help.

My doctor says it's not the Zocor ?? DUH!

Do you have information on alternatives to Zocor?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: SEE OUR GUIDE TO CHOLESTEROL CONTROL AND HEART HEALTH

I'm not sure where Joe and Terry Graedon received their credentials, but that school obviously didn't teach them anything about human steroid hormone pathways. Now read carefully because I'm going to teach you what you two don't seem to know. Cholesterol and specifically LDL, the "bad" one, is the precursor to all steroid hormones in the body. That includes testosterone, progesterone, estrogens, pregnenelone, DHEA, androstendione etc. A precursor means that in order for the body to produce sufficient amounts of testosterone, for example, it needs to have an ample supply of LDL cholesterol. Without those levels of LDL cholesterol, testosterone levels become subsequently low as well. Low testosterone levels are indicated in people who have low libidos. That includes women also. Haven't you noticed that when big pharma started really jumping on this lowering peoples cholesterol kick, they also jumped on the erectile dysfunction kick? Artificially lower cholesterol levels and you also lower sex hormone levels. That wasn't so hard, was it?

True, Cholesterol is a natural product that our bodies make but what you are failing to see is that an EXCESS of cholesterol is what causes heart disease. It has been proven that diets that are high in fats & cholesterol will lead to an increased amount of cholesterol in the body. This in turn could lead to heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Omega 3 is one way to decrease your cholesterol which in turn will decrease your cardiovascular risk.

If you have any questions talk to your credentialed pharmacist or physician before coming to this website.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO TALK WITH YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. INFORMATION FROM ANY WEB SITE, INCLUDING WWW.PEOPLESPHARMACY.COM, SHOULD BE PART OF THAT CONVERSATION AND DOES NOT REPLACE IT.

Lipitor, the scourge of the medical field. If I personally have two friends that died of liver cancer and one who died in a quick two years from ALS and another one who now has ALS, how many, many more people can say the same? Why are those lethal statin drugs still on the market? It makes me wish I had been raised a Christian Scientist.

A plausible theory, but not supported by evidence. See:
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/16/8/1587.full

Do Statins Affect Androgen Levels in Men? Results from the Boston Area Community Health Survey
Susan A. Hall, Stephanie T. Page, Thomas G. Travison, R. Bruce Montgomery, Carol L. Link and John B. McKinlay

New England Research Institutes, Watertown, Massachusetts and Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Requests for reprints:
Susan A. Hall, New England Research Institutes, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Phone: 617-923-7747; Fax: 617-924-0968. E-mail: shall@nerisicience.com

Abstract

Background: In 2005, statins were among the most commonly used prescription medications in the United States. Some data suggest statins may affect cancer risk and/or disease severity. Because cholesterol is a required intermediate in sex steroid synthesis, it is possible that statins influence prostate cancer risk through effects on steroid hormone metabolism. We investigated whether levels of circulating androgens and their carrier protein, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), varied by statin exposure among a sample of 1,812 men from a population-based epidemiologic study, the Boston Area Community Health Survey.

Methods: We measured serum total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, and SHBG. Statin exposure was collected through participant self-report and/or interviewer-recorded information. Multivariate linear models were constructed to account for potential confounding.

Results: The prevalence of statin use was 12.4% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 10.3-14.9]. On average, statin users were older, had larger body mass index and more chronic illnesses, and used more medications. We found no relationship between statin use and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or luteinizing hormone. A significant association between statin use and total testosterone was initially observed but was not robust to covariate control in a multivariate model that included age, body mass index, time since awakening, and history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (−5.5%; 95% CI, −13.2 to 2.9%). In multivariate models adjusted similarly, SHBG levels among statin users were statistically significantly lower compared with nonusers (−10.6%; 95% CI, −18.8 to −1.6%).

Conclusion: In this sample, it is unlikely that statins affect circulating androgens and prostate cancer risk through a hormonal mechanism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1587–94)

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Also his new book called "over the counter NATURAL CURES"
was just released Oct 6 2009
We followed his suggestions and now, All the pipes and Whistles are now working Fabulous BOOKS a Must for anyone

A 2008 analysis by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of data from over 40 clinical trials did not show a link between statins and higher risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease". The FDA said there is no need to change prescribing practice.
Reference: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/123519.php
Article Date: 30 Sep 2008

Likewise, there is no known relation between statins and liver cancer. In fact, diabetic patients taking statins reduce their risk of liver cancer. Previous data suggests that the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly fatal malignancy, can be reduced by statins, which exert a certain beneficial action. A study recently published in Gastroenterology (2009;136(5):1601-1608) looked at the relationship between statin use and HCC and other liver diseases.

Researchers analyzed a large group of patients with diabetes, whose risk for HCC was above average. Of the 1303 patients examined, 34.3% had at least 1 filled prescription for statins compared with those in the control group (53.1%). The results showed a significant inverse association between having statin prescriptions filled and the risk of developing HCC. Furthermore, longer and more frequent statin use resulted in a strong trend toward risk reduction (25% to 40% risk reduction).

As to whether "statin side effects are under reported, and...cause more muscle damage than is tracked" that may, to a certain extent, be plausible. But in the JUPITER trial (published in NEJM 2008), in which 17,802 men and women were randomized to Crestor vs. placebo, myopathy (muscle damage) did not occur more frequently with Crestor than with placebo. Specifically, a total of 19 myopathic events were reported: 10 in subjects receiving rosuvastatin and 9 in subjects receiving placebo (p=0.82). The median follow-up of subjects was 1.9 years, and no increased myopathy was detected in an analysis of participants who continued to receive Crestor for 4 or more years.

If there was a 10% incidence of myopathy symptoms, of the 8901 patients randomized in that study to Crestor, one would expect 890 patients to have reported myopathy symptoms. Yet there were only 9 (nine). Why is that???

Reference: Ridker PM, et al. Rosuvastatin to Prevent Vascular Events in Men and Women with Elevated C-Reactive Protein. NEJM. 2008:359:2195-2207

Among the many side effects I experienced while on statins was decreased libido. As things happen gradually, I hadn't fully taken note of how normal night time erections had virtually ceased. I put off my lack of sexual interest to getting older. My wife felt I wasn't as interested in her anymore.

During the first week after I had stopped the statin, I had a sexual awakening like I was a teenager again. I didn't realize how far I had deteriorated until my libido came roaring back. Normal night time erections while sleeping returned. I also found myself inclined to stretching my muscles again as I woke up and got out of bed. I hadn't noticed that I had lost the urge to do that.

Part of the danger of statin drugs is that most symptoms come on gradually, as opposed say to some extreme alergic reaction. I think this is part of why statins are misinterpreted as being so safe, and statin damage sufferers are not fully documented.

My father, a doctor, told me that patients in a 16 week study who took 80mg per day of Lipitor {TM} reduced total cholesterol down to 140mg/dl in 6 weeks{Schwartz. et al., 2001}. Not only was there no evidence in the study that this was beneficial, but plenty of evidence was given that such low levels of TC are quite HARMFUL.

43 years old, great shape, not super bad cholesterol numbers, but Dr. prescribed Lovastatin beginning of '09, went thru 3 months, and noticed decreased interest, number of erections, the morning "wake up", etc. Prescription ran out, and lo and behold back came the good stuff.

I didn't go back to the doc, a few months pass and I decide I should have cholesterol checked again. Tell the doc the side effect, and he prescribes lipitor, well, insurance company will fill only generic, and doc does not back up to try lipitor, back on lovastatin. Figured, let me just verify my earlier "test" because that was fun. Well, lost interest is here and "wake up" gone again. Forget it, I'm done with the meds. I'll check out the natural path. Oh, and I'll get a new doc.

Carol, I believe the article you reference {Schwartz et al, 2001} was the landmark Myocardial Ischemia Reduction with Aggressive Cholesterol Lowering (MIRACL) study which showed that statins may be started promptly after an acute cardiac event. In the MIRACL study, 3086 adult patients hospitalized with an acute cardiac event were randomized within 96 hours of their event to Lipitor 80 mg daily or a placebo for 16 weeks. The composite endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina and death was modestly but statistically significantly lower in the Lipitor group. Lipitor reduced recurrent symptomatic myocardial ischemia by 26% compared to placebo (p=0.02). Lipitor was well tolerated in the study, with only a slight increase in reversible elevation of liver enzymes in the active treatment group compared with placebo. There were no documented cases of myositis with Lipitor.

If indeed that is the study your father was referring to, there is clearly no basis for your statement "Not only was there no evidence in the study that this was beneficial, but plenty of evidence was given that such low levels of TC are quite HARMFUL." Carol, are we talking about the same study? I'm pretty sure we are, but if not, please reply so I can respond to the study in question.

For a summary (published in December 2006, so not reflecting the last 3 years of studies) of completed outcomes-based clinical trials evaluating statins for the management of cardiovascular risk, including discussion of the adverse effects of statins, see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994009/

See
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/06/30/study-supports-wider-use-of-statins.html
for a more recent discussion about the evidence-based expanding role of statins in women and the elderly.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THE SECOND ARTICLE DR. A CITES SUGGESTS THAT STATINS ARE BETTER THAN ASPIRIN. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YEARS FOR A STUDY COMPARING ASPIRIN TO A STATIN FOR HEART ATTACK PREVENTION. WE ARE STILL WAITING, AND DON'T PLAN TO MAKE UP OUR MINDS UNTIL WE SEE THE DATA.

Joe/Teresa: I don't understand the issue you're raising about statins vs. aspirin. They are not mutually exclusive choices. Whether (in a particular patient population) one is better than the other as monotherapy is irrelevant if the two combined are significantly better at reducing cardiovascular events than either one alone.

And remember, while you are waiting "to make up our minds" the American Heart Association estimates that in the United States 16.8 million people have coronary heart disease (history of heart attack, angina pectoris or both); cardiovascular diseases claimed 864,480 lives in 2005 (35.3 percent of all deaths); coronary heart disease caused 445,687 deaths in 2005 and is the single leading cause of death in America; and an estimated 1.26 million Americans have a new or recurrent heart attack per year. (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4478)

I don't have the luxury of waiting to make up my mind. I have to treat my patients based on the best benefit vs. risk data currently available. Your readers deserve no less from you.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE THINK THAT BOTH ASPIRIN AND A STATIN DRUG CAN BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE HEART DISEASE OR A HIGH RISK OF HEART DISEASE. OBVIOUSLY, EITHER ONE OF THESE DRUGS UNDERTAKEN INDEFINITELY CALLS FOR MEDICAL SUPERVISION! WE FREQUENTLY TELL PEOPLE WHO PLAN TO TAKE DAILY ASPIRIN (OR NIACIN TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL, FOR THAT MATTER) THAT THIS IS NOT A DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECT EVEN IF THE DRUG IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION.

BOTH STATINS AND ASPIRIN HAVE SOME POSSIBILITIES OF SIDE EFFECTS, SO IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE FOR PEOPLE TO DISCUSS THESE WITH THEIR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS. TOO MANY PHYSICIANS SEEM TO BE USING THESE MEDICINES INDISCRIMINATELY FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION (THE 'PUT IT IN THE WATER SUPPLY' APPROACH) AND THAT IS PROBABLY NOT APPROPRIATE.

My experience with statins, both Lipitor and Fluvastatin, has been identical.
After a few months on Lipitor I lost libido. Stopping the drug restored my libido at a higher level than before, but for only one month, after which it permanently dropped.
A French study found that the loss of libido is permanent in 2% of patients.
Using Testim has brought my testosterone to a normal level (in my case 400-500) as well as restored my libido.

After a while I decided to try a less powerful statin, Fluvastatin. Even though the testosterone level was adequate, I again lost libido.

I believe that statins have a negative effect on libido even when the testosterone level is normal, so trying to counteract the effect of statins with testosterone supplements might not work.

I gave up on statins for ever and now use Testim with great results.

Total loss of libido using 80mg lipitor... No morning erections.. Has reduced my cholesterol as I have FH.. Need my drive back ; (

Any ideas on what else I can use?

Am I ever glad I found this page. For about 6 years I have been taking statins to reduce my cholesterol. I started with Crestor, but after a change in insurance just over 2 years ago, had to switch to Simvastatin. I have been married for almost 10 months now, and while there have been some good times, in the last 5 months or so, I have had problems with not ejaculating over an extended period of time that has now progressed to ED problems.

I have gone to my doctor, who couldn't find anything. I went to a Urologist on his advice, and again, aside from noting that my testosterone level was low, but still "within range of normal", he too couldn't find anything wrong. On HIS advice, I went to a cardiologist, given that my family history of Diabetes (I have NOT been diagnosed with it, nor is my blood sugar out if range). I had noticed in the last year that with my regular distance running regimen, I didn't quite feel like I had the stamina I used too. I had attributed it to my getting older (I'm 43), but heck, perhaps a cardio check up was in order.

Well, after going through an EKG stress test, cardiac, and arterial sonogram, it turns out that my cardio vascular system is quite healthy. As a matter of fact, my cardiologist told me that frankly, some of his patients would have died running at the speed and inclined that I ran at, for as long as I did (I completed the ENTIRE stress regimen).

So after seeing all the doctors, none had a medical reason for my problem. I have been at wits end. My marriage is in trouble. Naturally, my wife doesn't feel desired, and despite the fact that just holding and caressing her arouses me, I can't maintain the erection.

Then I come across this, and other articles discussing studies and the possible link between the use of statins and ED. I figure that I have nothing to lose. My heart is healthy (there was no evidence of significant arterial blockage), and my cholesterol has been low the past 5 years (thanks to the Meds, I guess), so why not? I stopped taking my Simvastatin last Thursday. I woke up on Sunday morning to a partial erection. Honest to God, I can't remember the last time I've had one. My erections aren't quite "full" yet, but after reading these comments, I have hope that they will continue to improve.

I just hope that I can turn things around with my marriage. We've got an appointment with a couples' therapist next week to deal with the psychological issues that this problem has caused. I just hope that we can work those out as well. In either case, thanks to those of you who have come out and shared your experiences.

Hopefully, I can add to one of those happy stories. I also hope that more men are brave enough to come out with their doctors and share tier issues. In my research, I've found that one of the greatest possibilities as to why these links haven't been thoroughly investigated is because statistically, this is not an issue. Of course not! Most men are too embarrassed to share their problem with their doctor... That said, I'm here to say, "Man up!" if enough cases are revealed, then perhaps more research can be done.

Yap! me too. Went in for admission with a TIA. Spent three days in hospital. By the time I came home, I really wasn't in the mood for a welcome home from my wife.

This has been consistent except if I go off lipitor for a few days.

I have a full year prescription despite the fact that my cholesterol levels were normal, my veins were clear, my heart was normal, my blood was clean, my blood pressure was normal (and I have no family history of hypertension), I only drink rarely, I don't smoke...

Do I need to continue with this thing?

Considering the so-called "normal" testosterone level does not make any sense. The wide range considered as normal on the lab report, means what could be normal for an entire population in the specified age bracket. However, it is well known that a man with testosterone at the low end of the scale could be a sexual athlete, while one at the high end could have ED problems.

What matters is what the level was before statins were initiated but, unfortunately, doctors don't ask for a test before starting the patient on statins. Consequently, the test results are irrelevant without a reference value for comparison.

Since ED problems happen in men at an age when cardio-vascular problems happen as well, the blame can easily be cast on clogged arteries or other age related problems.

In my case when I complained of low libido, the TT was around 300 and my doctor informed me that the "normal" range for men over 50 was 181 - 758, so that was not the problem and he gave me a full load of Viagra that I never used, since I hadn't had ED a couple of weeks before.

I told the doctor that arteries take a lifetime to clog and I had started having problems only after the lipitor. I stopped taking lipitor and when the TT reached 450 to 500 I recovered and started feeling like I did before this nightmare.

Doctors prescribe statins because it is fashionable to lower cholesterol. Statins reduce CV events, even though overall mortality doesn't change one bit, and when patients complain about sexual problems, the easy solution is to give them Viagra which they actually might not even need.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THANK YOU FOR AN EXCELLENT EXPLANATION.

My husb. takes Lipitor 3x a wk. 10 mg. Cholesterol level 150. He takes 81mg aspirin for heart and arthritis left hip. With PT only occas. hip pain now.

He is on Seroquel for anxiety & depression re business problems, thyroid, and Androgel. Why doesn't Dr. take him off Lipitor? Cardiologist says its good insurance to prevent heart attack. He had mild abnormal artery filling on treadmill EKG but angiogram was normal.