WHO Cancer Agency Classifies Three Common Medicines as Carcinogenic

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus as Group 1 carcinogenic substances, noting their routine prescription for millions of patients worldwide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is widely used for hypertension, voriconazole manages invasive fungal infections, and tacrolimus acts as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ transplant rejection, all appearing on the WHO Essential Medicines list.

Health experts have urged patients currently prescribed these medications not to stop their treatment abruptly, emphasizing that the classification reflects long-term research findings rather than immediate toxicity.