Three common medicines classified as carcinogenic by IARC; experts urge patients not to stop treatment | Explained
The findings are relevant because all three medicines are routinely prescribed in India. Hydrochlorothiazide remains an inexpensive and widely available option for managing hypertension, particularly in combination with other blood pressure-lowering medicines
Three commonly prescribed medications, hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus, have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This classification, placed under Group 1, means these drugs are considered to have sufficient evidence to cause cancer in humans. The IARC, a specialized cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), made this announcement, highlighting a concerning finding about widely used medicines.
The three drugs, featured on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, are prescribed to millions of individuals globally. Hydrochlorothiazide, often used to manage hypertension, voriconazole as an antifungal treatment for serious invasive fungal infections, and tacrolimus as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ transplant rejection are all now classified in the highest risk category for cancer.
Despite this classification, medical experts have urged patients not to discontinue their treatment. The WHO emphasizes the importance of balancing the benefits of these medications with their potential risks. Patients are advised to continue their prescribed treatment unless directed otherwise by their healthcare providers, who can assess individual circumstances and provide guidance based on the latest medical advice.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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