FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Male fertility is crucial for reproductive health.
• Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production, can be affected by various factors, including medications.
• Understanding drug impacts on male fertility is essential for patient care and drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and review single-ingredient U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that may negatively affect human spermatogenesis and male fertility.
• To analyze drug labels for reported effects on sperm production and maturation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an in-depth search of DailyMed, the official FDA drug label database.
• Reviewed drug labels for information pertaining to spermatogenesis and male fertility.
• Cross-referenced findings with peer-reviewed literature where applicable.

Main Results:

• Identified 65 drug labels across various classes with potential effects on spermatogenesis.
• Hormone-based agents and antineoplastic agents were most frequently associated with negative impacts on sperm production.
• Several anti-inflammatory drugs listed in labels showed potential effects on spermatogenesis, contrary to existing literature.
• Discovered drugs labeled as spermatotoxic that were not previously reported in scientific literature.

Conclusions:

• A significant number of FDA-approved drugs have the potential to impair male fertility through effects on spermatogenesis.
• Discrepancies exist between drug label information and peer-reviewed literature regarding drug-induced spermatotoxicity.
• Further research, including basic science, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance, is necessary to elucidate mechanisms and clinical impact.