"" Controversy on Cancer "Hypertension danger immediately cut drugs …" "- Herald Economy

Some products of valsartan, which are used as drugs for the treatment of hypertension, have confirmed the carcinogenic substance, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a substance clbadified by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the name "2A" (a potentially carcinogenic substance in humans) by IAMC. As a result, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) has taken temporary measures to suspend sales and manufacturing of 115 products containing raw materials.

Domestic hypertensive patients are estimated at about 6.04 million last year. It is about 12% of the total population (about 51.77 million ㆍ at the end of last year). So many people have to worry about their medications. This is because of the concern that "it can become more dangerous if you take medication to get sick." Experts say, "Do not take the medication once, but take it to the medical facility and pharmacy where you go early, and change it to a new drug.

– What is valsartan?

▶ (Kim Won Kyung, Professor, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyunghee University Hospital) Valsartan is a medicine for hypertension that inhibits angiotensin 2, a hormone that raises blood pressure by contracting Blood vessels. It has a cardioprotective effect and is also used for patients with hypertension, myocardial infarction and renal disease.

▶ (Kim Kyung-su, Professor of Family Medicine at St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul, Catholic University of Korea) The problem is that valsartan is not a problem but a problem for Excipient that mixes. Excipients are substances that help with the absorption and safety of medicines. The excipient is mixed with carcinogenic impurities.

– There is no side effect to Valsartan himself.

▶ (Kim Won) C is a drug that is used a lot. It has been proven safe by clinical use for nearly 20 years.

▶ (Kim Kyung-soo) Although there is no medication without side effects, the use of the right dose is one of the drugs used without problems for control hypertension.

– If you eat valsartan containing carcinogens, you may have cancer.

▶ (Kim Won) This was a preventative response to the announcement of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Substances clbadified as "2A" by the IARC clbadification are considered to be cancer causing substances. The NDMA issue is now included in the group & # 39; 2A & # 39 ;. However, the probability of developing cancer varies according to individual health conditions. Carcinogens should be accumulated in the body to some extent, and cancer can occur. However, there is a need for future clinical studies to reduce the patient's anxiety. Until then, you should watch carefully.

▶ (Kim, Kyung-soo) I do not think you should deny the possibility of cancer.
– What happens if I stop the drug because it is dangerous.

▶ (Kim Won) Some patients can be dangerous if I stop the medication immediately. You should consult your doctor immediately and replace the medicine. But until then, you must take it once.

▶ (Kim, Kyung-soo) Blood pressure rises, and it can cause various heart diseases by giving a lot of weight to the heart. It is best to take the medicine until you change the medicine.

Shin Sang-yoon reporter /[email protected]