Effect of Gemfibrozil on fertility

[Glenda306]

My husband started on Gemfibrozil to lower his cholesterol at the beginning of the year.  On 2/14/08 we found out we were pregnant, but miscarried about 5 weeks later.  We have been trying again since May, but I recently discovered that Gemfibrozil (and similar meds) may cause male infertility or reduced fertility.  Is this accurate?  If so, how long would it take for the medicine to clear his system and his fertility to return?  We have 3 healthy kids and have had 2 m/c (2003 & 2008).

Thanks for your assistance.

[Glenda306]

Thanks for the reply.  My husband has decided to go off the Gemfibrozil until we conceive again (just in case).

[John Kim, M.D.]

This is from Reprotox:
Reproductive parameters were not compromised in adult rats treated with this agent, although in males given about 17 times the average daily human dose, there was a questionable decrease in fertility (3). Although uncommon, gemfibrozil is occasionally associated with impotence and decreased libido (4,5). In vitro studies using rat tissues have reported that gemfibrozil and other inducers of hepatic peroxisome proliferation may alter the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells (7). However, the relevance of these findings for the clinical use of this agent is unknown.

So it is not clear in humans that it would have an effect on male fertility.