New research: the long-term use of hydrochlorothiazide can cause skin cancer

Recent research shows that hydrochlorothiazide makes skin more sensitive to UV rays
Recent Danish studies have shown that patients taking long-term hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) are at increased risk to develop two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are the most common forms of skin cancer and are easy to treat.

Ultraviolet rays

Hydrochlorothiazide makes the skin more vulnerable to damage caused by the sun's UV rays and tanning beds. Patients taking this medicine are therefore advised to treat exposure to UV rays responsibly. This advice also applies to all Dutch people. It is also advisable to consult the doctor in case of suspicion of skin abnormality or doubt.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a plastic tablet prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure and edema (water retention).

Products containing HCT

Medications remain positive for HCT products as they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The product may continue to be used. It is important not to stop without consultation. Are you concerned or are you considering stopping the use of this product? First contact with your doctor

Increased risk for long-term use

In the Netherlands, the number of new cases of basal cell carcinoma is estimated at around 40 000 and, in the case of squamous cell carcinoma, 10 000 cases a year, whatever the cause. The Danish study, especially in light skinned patients, showed that after prolonged use of HCT, the risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma could be increased by approximately 1.3 times and 4 to 7.7 times, respectively. An increased risk was observed after a period of 6 to 22 years with a daily use of 12.5 mg HCT.

Advice to Patients

Sun Recommendations

How much sunlight is harmful exactly when using hydrochlorothiazide is not known. This is why it is recommended to follow the general guidelines to take a reasonable sunbath, such as those recommended by KWF for Kankerbestrijding and to advise general practitioners. For more information on preventing sunburn, visit: https://www.thuisarts.nl/zonnebrand/ik-wil-verbranding-door-zon-providing[19659005Controlling the skin

Patients can regularly check the skin for suspicious skin abnormalities. In case of suspicion of skin abnormalities, it is advisable to contact the general practitioner. For more information on basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and its recognition, go to the following address: https://www.kanker.nl/kankersoorten/huidkanker/wat-is/huidkanker [19659005dOrganizationforPatientsHavingNuanceCancerBeforeNow

Patients who have ever had skin cancer have a higher risk of re-development of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These patients can, with their doctor, reconsider the use of HCT

Advice to health care professionals

• Patients receiving HCT alone or in combination with other drugs should be informed of risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma during prolonged use
• . Patients should be advised to reduce the risk of skin cancer by reducing overexposure to the sun and UV rays and by using adequate protection. General guidelines on sensitive sunbathing, such as Thuisarts.nl and KWF Kankerbestrijding, apply.
• The use of HCT should be reconsidered in patients who have already had skin cancer due to an increased risk of (additional) skin cancer
• Although the risk of cancer of the skin skin has not been studied or demonstrated for other thiazide diuretics, they also cause photosensitivity. Various other classes of hypotensive drugs are available as alternatives for the treatment of high blood pressure

Registrants of products containing hydrochlorothiazide have sent a letter to this topic ([datum van versturing DHPC]), direct communication with health professionals (DHPC). The letter containing this important risk information was sent to general practitioners, internists, cardiologists, geriatricians, dermatologists, public pharmacists, hospital pharmacists and Harteraad, in consultation with the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) and the Health Inspectorate. and consumption (IGJ). 19659005] The signaling and analysis of adverse effects throughout the life cycle of a drug are called pharmacovigilance or pharmacovigilance. This is an essential task of the SEM. In case of urgent and / or significant safety concerns, health professionals are informed by means of a DHPC

. Adverse effects may be reported via the Dutch Lareb adverse events center; Web site www.lareb.nl

Source: CBG / Meb