In the age of polypharmacy, it is important for physicians and patients to be aware of medication side effects. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of many medications. In our study, we used the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to examine medications with the highest reports of ED as a side effect. At the top of the list were 5-α reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) and neuropsychiatric medications. Other medications expected to have a high rate of ED adverse effects, such as beta-blockers and androgen deprivation drugs, were surprisingly not the highest offenders. This suggests prescribers and patients may be better informed of the possibility of developing ED with certain medications than others.
We believe our publication is relevant to daily clinical practice for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the wide variety of medications associated with ED. Second, the study highlights the importance of physicians from all specialties discussing possible medication-induced ED with their patients. Third, the paper details the mechanisms of action of these medications as well as the pathophysiology of developing ED. Finally, the study raises awareness of Post-finasteride Syndrome, a controversial yet increasingly discussed topic in urology and other fields. It is our hope that our findings may ultimately improve our patients’ lives.
Written by: Elie Kaplan-Marans, MD & Jacob Khurgin, DO, Division of Urology, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, NY, USA