Golf-inhibiting gynecomastia associated with atorvastatin therapy

Pharmacotherapy. 2006 Aug;26(8):1165-8. doi: 10.1592/phco.26.8.1165.

Abstract

Gynecomastia can have a significant emotional and social impact on men. Although numerous drug therapies may cause this condition, we found no documented cases of gynecomastia associated with atorvastatin. We describe the development of breast enlargement and tenderness in a 52-year-old Caucasian man 6 months after his simvastatin therapy had been switched to atorvastatin. His symptoms ultimately interfered with his ability to play golf and participate in other activities. These problems resolved after atorvastatin discontinuation and did not recur despite resumption of simvastatin therapy. The gynecomastia in this patient represented a possible adverse effect of atorvastatin according to the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale. The mechanism may be atorvastatin's theoretical suppression of adrenal or gonadal steroid production through effects on cholesterol synthesis. Based on this and other case reports, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) should be considered as a potential cause when evaluating otherwise unexplainable cases of gynecomastia in patients taking these drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents / adverse effects
  • Atorvastatin
  • Golf*
  • Gynecomastia / chemically induced*
  • Heptanoic Acids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrroles
  • Atorvastatin