Ovary and uterus related adverse events associated with statin use: an analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 20;10(1):11955. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68906-2.

Abstract

Experimental studies have demonstrated statin-induced toxicity for ovary and uterus. However, the safety of statins on the functions of ovary and uterus in real-world clinical settings remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify ovary and uterus related adverse events (AEs) associated with statin use by analyzing data from FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We used OpenVigil 2.1 to query FAERS database. Ovary and uterus related AEs were defined by 383 Preferred Terms, which could be classified into ten aspects. Disproportionality analysis was performed to assess the association between AEs and statin use. Our results suggest that statin use may be associated with a series of ovary and uterus related AEs. These AEs are involved in ovarian cysts and neoplasms, uterine neoplasms, cervix neoplasms, uterine disorders (excl neoplasms), cervix disorders (excl neoplasms), endocrine disorders of gonadal function, menstrual cycle and uterine bleeding disorders, menopause related conditions, and sexual function disorders. Moreover, there are variabilities in the types and signal strengths of ovary and uterus related AEs across individual statins. According to our findings, the potential ovary and uterus related AEs of statins should attract enough attention and be closely monitored in future clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovary / drug effects*
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration
  • Uterus / drug effects*
  • Uterus / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors