In hypertensive therapy diuretic diuretic agent increases skin cancer risk

Diuretic drug: diuretic increases the risk of white skin cancer

Scientific research has shown that medicines containing the active ingredient hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) appear to increase the risk of developing white skin cancer risk. However, health experts warn against simply dispensing drugs used to lower high blood pressure.

With "red hand letter" pointed to possible long-term risk

As the German High Pressure League e.V. DHL® - German Society for Hypertension and Prevention in a recent release writes, the license holders of drugs containing the active ingredient hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), with a "red-hand letter" on a possible long-term risk. Scientific studies have thus shown that such drugs can appear to increase the risk of developing white skin cancer. However, according to the experts, this should not lead to short-circuit reactions. Whether with or without HCT: hypertension must be treated in any case.

Studies have shown that medicines containing the active ingredient hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) appear to increase the risk of skin cancer. Nevertheless, the drugs used to treat high blood pressure should not be discontinued on their own. (Image: Miriam Dörr / fotolia.com)

Health data from Scandinavia evaluated

Pharmaceutical manufacturers inform specialist circles about newly identified drug risks with the aid of so-called "red-hand letters".

Now, all pharmaceutical manufacturers of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in consultation with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) issued a "Red Hand Letter" because recent study data indicate that the substance, alleged Due to its photosensitizing effect, it appears to increase the risk of white skin cancer.

Trigger for the warning are two current long-term Scandinavian studies. Health data from Denmark was evaluated over a longer period of time.

The scientific studies strongly suggest a connection between the intake of HCT and the development of white skin cancer, without ultimately proving causally whether the white skin cancer is really due to the intake of HCT.

For example, these studies lack important information about the extent of exposure to the sun and the skin type of those affected.

Watch the skin regularly for new skin changes

The "Rote-Hand-Brief" recommends physicians to alert patients to whom they have prescribed the substance to this risk.

When taking HCT as a mono- or combination preparation, it is advisable to observe the skin regularly for new skin changes or to pay attention to possible changes in pre-existing skin changes.

Suspicious changes should be discussed with the doctor. It is important that patients do not discontinue their blood pressure medication on their own.

Weaning can lead to consequences that are more dangerous and more difficult to treat than white skin cancer (for example, stroke or heart attack).

Uncertain patients, together with their family doctor, should weigh the individual benefit against the individual risk and decide whether to switch to therapy.

Patients who continue to use HCT as an antihypertensive agent should ensure adequate skin protection against sun and UV radiation.

For patients who already have white skin cancer, the use of HCT should be carefully assessed in collaboration with the attending physician.

A drug of first choice in the treatment of hypertension

The thiazide diuretic HCT is a first-line drug in the treatment of high blood pressure in Germany and worldwide along with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS-blocker) and calcium antagonists (calcium channel blockers).

According to DHL, HCT is relatively rarely used for monotherapy. Every fifth diuretic prescribed contains HCT as active ingredient.

HCT is often included in dual or triple combination blood pressure lowering drugs because it enhances the antihypertensive effect of other drugs.

Do not discontinue medication on your own

"White skin cancer is a disease that, if detected early, is very low in risk," explains Prof. Dr. med. Bernhard K. Krämer, Mannheim, Chief Executive Officer of DHL.

"We therefore classify HCT as a relatively low risk for HCT and especially combination drugs that receive HCT, but would like to ask patients to undergo regular skin cancer screening," said the expert.

"In patients receiving HCT monotherapy, a change in treatment may be considered, whether it be another thiazide diuretic or another blood pressure-lowering class."

The physician states that patients should not discontinue the medication for fear of white skin cancer on their own authority.

Simply omitting the blood pressure medicines can have serious consequences, untreated, high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure or dementia - often well before a white skin cancer develops.

"Insecure patients should therefore talk to their family doctor and if necessary switch to other blood pressure medicines," explains the expert. (Ad)