Gynecomastia and Sexual Impotence Associated with Methotrexate Treatment

MARIA ANGELES AGUIRRE, ANTONIO VÉLEZ, MANUEL ROMERO, and EDUARDO COLLANTES

ABSTRACT.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the disease modifying antirheumatic drug most frequently used for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Several reports associate sexual dysfunction to MTX use. We describe 2 cases of sexual impotence and gynecomastia in patients with PsA treated with MTX. Although the mechanism underlying MTX induced sexual dysfunction is unknown, the potential consequences should be taken in account in view of the steady increase in the number of patients treated with this drug. (J Rheumatol 2002;29:1793-4)

Key Indexing Terms:

METHOTREXATE
GYNECOMASTIA
IMPOTENCE

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From the Servicio Reumatologia and Sección Dermatologia, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.

M.A. Aguirre, MD, Rheumatologist; A. Vélez, MD, Dermatologist; M. Romero, MD, Rheumatologist; E. Collantes, MD, Professor of Rheumatology and Chief, Service of Rheumatology.

Address reprints requests to Dr. M.A. Aguirre, Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14014 Córdoba, Spain. E-mail: angelesaguirre@supercable.es

Submitted December 19, 2001; revision accepted February 18, 2002.

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