Paternal exposure to antirheumatic drugs-What physicians should know: Review of the literature

Abstract

Reproduction capacity and long-term preserved hormonal function are important aspects with big impacts on patients' quality of life. Updated information on the interaction between drug therapy and reproductive function is essential when discussing family planning with patients. Currently, limited data is published regarding paternal exposure to different medications. Thus, it may be a challenge for the practitioner to choose the right therapy for a young male patient. Therefore we reviewed the literature, for effects of antirheumatic drugs on male gonadal function with a focus on spermatogenesis and offspring.

Keywords: Antirheumatic drugs; Biologic therapy; DMARDs; Fertility; Offspring outcome; Paternal exposure; Pregnancy outcome; Sperm parameters.