Caution – hydrochlorothiazide!
A popular drug increases the risk of cancer by 7 times
Julia Kufman, Copper News
A new study by scientists from the University of Southern Denmark (University of Southern Denmark) and the Danish Cancer Society (Danish Cancer Society) has proved that a popular remedy for hypertension increases the risk of developing skin cancer several times. Danish researchers drew attention to high blood pressure medications containing hydrochlorothiazide.
Incredibly high risk
The study, which involved about 80,000 Danes suffering from skin cancer, showed that the use of hydrochlorothiazide increases the risk of developing cancer by almost 7 times. In the course of the work, the researchers revealed a clear link between the use of hydrochlorothiazide and the likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma. For the purity of the experiment, the scientists tested other remedies for high blood pressure, but none of them showed a link with the development of cancer.
"We knew that hydrochlorothiazide made the skin more vulnerable to damage by ultraviolet rays, but for us it was a very unpleasant discovery that the long-term use of this remedy greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer," said Professor Anton Pottegård from the University of Southern Denmark.
Risk of deterioration
There are several types of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, with the development of which scientists associate the use of hydrochlorothiazide, has a simple treatment and a fairly low mortality rate. However, in any case, treatment should be operative, which entails certain risks.
Hydrochlorothiazide is one of the most commonly used medications for lowering blood pressure both in the United States, where more than 10 million people use the drug annually, and in Western Europe. Thus, the side effects of this drug directly affect many people. Researchers have estimated that about 10% of all squamous cell carcinoma cases in Denmark can be caused by the use of hydrochlorothiazide.
"Treatment should not be interrupted without prior consultation in a medical institution. However, if you use hydrochlorothiazide to treat hypertension, you need to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you can choose another medicine," said Anton Pottegord.
Scientists continue to study the link between the use of hydrochlorothiazide and skin cancer. In addition, they have already informed the relevant medical companies about the results of their research, as well as the Danish Medicines Agency.
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