Hydrochlorothiazide used for treating high blood pressure may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Researchers examined the link between the common drug hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. HCTZ is a popular diuretic used to treat water retention and high blood pressure.
The researchers were prompted in their endeavor by the fact that HCTZ has been linked with an increased risk of lip cancer in the past. The drug makes the skin more sensitive to the damage of ultraviolet (UV) rays, due to its photosensitizing effects. This was a further reason for the researchers to examine the drug.
The researchers considered the use of other antihypertensive medication.The research revealed that those who took HCTZ were up to seven times more likely to develop skin cancer. More specifically, the antihypertensive drug raised the risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – a less serious form of skin cancer. By contrast, none of the other antihypertensive drugs examined seemed to raise skin cancer risk.
Hydrochlorothiazide made the skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun's UV rays, but what is new and also surprising is that long-term use of this blood pressure medicine leads to such a significant increase in the risk of skin cancer. Living in sunny environment while taking hydrochlorothiazide seems to be life-threatening for some patients.
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