Blood Pressure Medicine: The World Health Organization's cancer research agency, IARC, has included ingredients used in three medicines in the list of substances that cause cancer in humans.
WHO report: BP medicine increases cancer risk
WHO IARC Blood Pressure Medicine Cancer Warning: Big news has come out related to the people taking blood pressure or BP medicine. IARC, the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization, has included the ingredients used in three medicines in the list of substances that cause cancer in humans. These include hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus. These three medicines are used in the treatment of different diseases. Among these, hydrochlorothiazide is a widely used medicine in the treatment of high BP. This is the reason that after the release of this report, the concern has increased among the people taking BP medicine.
What did the World Health Organization say?
IARC has classified these drugs in 'Group 1' after a detailed review of the available scientific evidence. This category means that scientists have sufficient evidence to suggest that the substances in question can cause cancer in humans. However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone taking these drugs will develop cancer. The extent to which a drug increases cancer risk depends on several factors, including the duration of use, dosage, and a person's other health conditions.
What are the concerns about the BP drug hydrochlorothiazide?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a medication used to control high blood pressure and reduce excess water retention. Many patients are prescribed this medication along with other blood pressure medications. According to the IARC, there is sufficient evidence to support an association between long-term hydrochlorothiazide use and certain types of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and lip cancer.
Another important point to note about this drug is that it may increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Scientists have expressed particular concern about its use in conjunction with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
There was concern about this medicine even earlier
Hydrochlorothiazide was previously classified as "possibly carcinogenic" in terms of cancer risk. Following a review of new scientific evidence, its classification has been upgraded to Group 1. This change is based on evidence from a variety of scientific studies. Experts reviewed human studies, animal studies, and scientific data on the drug's effects on the body.
What is voriconazole?
Voriconazole is not a BP medication. It is used to treat serious fungal infections, especially in patients who are immunocompromised or at risk of serious infections. The IARC review also found sufficient evidence of an association between voriconazole use and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The risk of skin damage due to sunlight during use of this medication was also considered.
What is tacrolimus used for?
Tacrolimus is also not a BP medication. It is primarily used in patients who have undergone organ transplants. It suppresses the body's immune response to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. According to the IARC, there is sufficient scientific evidence to link tacrolimus used internally with certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some skin cancers.
Should I stop BP medicine immediately?
The most important thing is not to stop taking your blood pressure medication on your own after this report. Stopping medication without your doctor's advice can be harmful. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and serious kidney problems. If your blood pressure medication contains hydrochlorothiazide and you are concerned about this report, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will assess your condition and decide whether to continue with the same medication or whether a different option would be better.
Protect your skin from the sun
If a person is taking hydrochlorothiazide for a long time, they should take care to protect their skin from strong sunlight. It may be beneficial to cover up when outdoors and use sun protection measures as needed
