WHO Agency Flags 3 Popular Drugs for Cancer Hazard

Three widely prescribed medications, essential for treating high blood pressure, fungal infections, and preventing organ transplant rejection, have been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organisation's (WHO) cancer research agency. The drugs identified are hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus.

These medicines are included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, indicating their widespread use and importance in global healthcare. The IARC classification, published as Volume 137 of the IARC Monographs, identifies potential hazards but does not assess real-world risk at prescribed doses. Experts stress that patients should not stop taking these medications without consulting their doctors, as they treat serious conditions.

Evidence suggests hydrochlorothiazide and voriconazole may increase the risk of certain skin cancers due to phototoxicity, making skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Tacrolimus's risk is linked to its immunosuppressive properties, potentially contributing to lymphoma and other disorders. In India, these drugs are commonly prescribed, making the IARC classification highly relevant. Doctors advise continued sun protection for users of hydrochlorothiazide and voriconazole, while transplant patients on tacrolimus are already monitored.