In Peyronie's disease, plaque, a flat plate of scar tissue, builds up along the shaft of the penis. This plaque invades and replaces the elastic covering of the penis with inflexible material. This usually results in some shortening of the penis. Since this plaque isn't visible, you may not see any signs of Peyronie's disease for several months. In serious cases, this plaque can cause the penis to bend upward, prohibiting or complicating sexual intercourse.
Beta Blockers
Several investigators have reported that drugs taken for high blood pressure, particularly beta blockers such as propranolol hydrochloride, carry a risk of causing Peyronie's disease, according to the International Journal of Impotence Research. However, Cleveland Clinic reports that beta blockers are less likely to be associated with the onset and progression of Peyronie's disease compared with other risk factors, such as a trauma to the penis.
Interferon
Most of the drugs that list Peyronie's disease as a possible side effect contain interferon, which is a glycoprotein secreted by the T cells in the immune system in response to a specific stimulus, such as exposure to a virus. It interferes with the ability of viruses to reproduce. Furthermore, interferon augments the antifibrotic activity of an angiotensin-converting enzyme in patients with keloid scars and scleroderma, a rare chronic disorder characterized by the deposition of fibrous tissue in the skin and in internal organs and structures.
Dilantin
Dilantin, an antiseizure medication, may be a risk factor for the development of Peyronie's disease, Cleveland Clinic reports. Dilantin acts on the central nervous system to slow down nerve impulses associated with epilepsy and seizures. In rare instances, Peyronie's syndrome can develop from the toxic effects of Dilantin. No study has confirmed that Peyronie's disease can occur solely from taking this medication.
