Latest news with #Azo
New York Post
29-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Over-the-counter drug for condition that 15M women get a year is linked to cancer
As if urinary tract infections weren't bad enough, a new report claims that a popular over-the-counter drug used to treat UTI symptoms has been linked to cancer concerns. UTIs are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting some 15 million women a year. Phenazopyridine, sold under brand names such as Azo and Uristat, is used to treat the pain, burning and discomfort associated with UTIs. But this medication has not been formally approved by the Food and Drug Administration — and research has raised concerns about its potential cancer risk, Bloomberg reported. 3 AZO works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract. ColleenMichaels – Phenazopyridine, first synthesized in 1914, works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract to relieve UTI symptoms. Bloomberg reported that phenazopyridine was marketed before current FDA regulations for drug approval were in place. Because of its long history, it was essentially 'grandfathered in' and remains on the market without full FDA approval. One concern about phenazopyridine is that it can mask the symptoms of a UTI, potentially delaying antibiotic treatment. There are also potential risks associated with high doses or prolonged use. A 2021 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that dietary exposure to phenazopyridine caused tumors in two rodent species at two different tissue sites. In female mice, phenazopyridine caused benign and malignant liver tumors. In rats of both sexes, it caused benign or malignant colorectal tumors. The NIH noted that while the animal studies don't explicitly prove a link between human exposure to phenazopyridine and the development of cancer, the drug is 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.' 3 UTIs are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting 50% to 60% of women. 9nong – Side effects of phenazopyridine include chest tightness, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite and stomach pain. More severe, though less common, reported reactions include depression, muscle twitching, kidney failure, seizures and nose bleeds. In rare cases, phenazopyridine can cause death due to methemoglobinemia, a condition that interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. While phenazopyridine is available OTC in the US, it requires a prescription in Canada and the UK. 3 Symptoms of a UTI include the urgent need to urinate, a burning sensation when peeing, pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, cloudy or blood-tinged urine and urine with a strong odor. sirichai – UTIs begin when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract due to genetic disposition, sexual activity or poor hygiene. Symptoms include the urgent need to urinate, a burning sensation when peeing, pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, cloudy or blood-tinged urine and urine with a strong odor. Antibiotics are the primary cure for UTIs as they eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection. However, many patients use phenazopyridine to manage symptoms while they await antibiotics. Unfortunately, studies indicate that the bacteria that cause UTIs are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making these infections more dangerous than ever. Part of this resistance can be attributed to meat consumption, as animals treated with antibiotics can develop resistance to those drugs that's transferred to humans. And UTIs seem to be becoming more prevalent. Recent research found the global disease burden of UTIs rose by more than 68% between 1990 and 2019. Increased rates of UTIs can be attributed to several factors, including a growing population, particularly an elderly one that is more susceptible to UTIs, and a swath of sexually active young people. But relief may be on the way. In March, the FDA approved the antibiotic Blujepa to treat uncomplicated UTIs in women 12 and older. The drug acts on a different part of the bacteria compared to most other antibiotics, making it effective against organisms resistant to current treatments.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctors sound alarm as over-the-counter drug taken by millions is linked to CANCER
A common medication taken by more than 100 million worldwide for urinary tract infections has been linked to cancer. Phenazopyridine, which is sold under various brand names including Azo, Pyridium, Prodium, Pyridiate, Baridium, and Uricalm, is available over the counter (OTC) in the US at lower strengths and by prescription at higher strengths. It works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, which helps to lessen the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which include burning, irritation, and discomfort, as well as frequent and urgent urination. But now experts are warning that phenazopyridine could cause cancer based on evidence from animal studies. In one study conducted by the NIH, it was found that dietary exposure to phenazopyridine caused tumors in two rodent species at two different tissue sites. In female mice, it caused benign and malignant liver tumors while in rats of both sexes, it caused benign or malignant colorectal tumors. The government agency noted that while the animal studies don't prove a direct link between human cancer and exposure to phenazopyridine, it is 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'. Experts say these findings are troubling, especially as phenazopyridine doesn't require a prescription in the US as it does in many other parts of the world, including the UK and Canada. Some of the reported side effects of the medication, as highlighted by the Mayo Clinic, include chest tightness, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite and stomach pain. Meanwhile, some of the more severe adverse reactions have been known to include depression, muscle twitching, kidney failure, seizures and nose bleeds. Rita Jew, who serves as the president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, says that personally she would not advise taking phenazopyridine. She told Bloomberg: 'There is no need for this drug.' Remedies containing a mix of methenamine and sodium salicylate are seen as an alternative to phenazopyridine. Similarly, they help treat the pain and discomfort caused by UTIs until antibiotics can be prescribed and collected. Antibiotics are the primary cure for UTIs as they target and eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. The most common antibiotics recommended for treatment are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fosfomycin. In the US, UTIs result in approximately 10.5 million office visits as well as 3 million emergency department encounters and 400,000 hospitalizations annually. While many people turn to phenazopyridine for temporary pain relief, the exact number of sales is not known as it is sold under different brand names. New York-based gynecologist Steven Goldstein, who recommends the medication to patients while they are awaiting the results of urine tests, said he was totally unaware of the cancer links. 'It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware.' he told Bloomberg. The NIH warning was published in 2021, while the National Cancer Institute study it refers to was carried out in 1978. UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube that filters urine out of the bladder. Women are most at risk due to having a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria has less distance to travel to reach the bladder. Roughly half of US women are expected to have at least one UTI in their lifetime compared to one in 20 men. Sex can also increase the risk by pushing bacteria toward the urethra. However, science is also beginning to point toward E coli from food as a potential cause. A 2023 study from George Washington University, for example, analyzed retail samples of chicken, turkey, and pork and then took blood and urine samples from people hospitalized with UTIs. The team found between 480,000 and 680,000 cases - about eight percent - could be caused by E coli strains found in the meat. Recent reports also suggest meat consumption is on the rise, which could explain the increase in UTIs.
Bloomberg
19-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
The Potential Cancer, Health Risks Lurking in One Popular OTC Drug
Many women have, for decades, taken a drug called phenazopyridine to control pain from urinary tract infections. Sold under such brand names as Azo and Uristat, it's available in most US pharmacies or groceries with a well-stocked health aisle and doesn't require a prescription. Target Corp. and Walmart Inc. both offer their own generic versions. Given the ease of purchase, it's a good bet many users assume the drug has been vetted by US regulators and found to be safe and effective. It hasn't. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration 20 years ago raised questions about whether it truly works, as well as its potential to cause cancer. But the agency never acted on its own concerns.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asahi Songwon Colors Ltd (BOM:532853) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth ...
Release Date: May 12, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Asahi Songwon Colors Ltd (BOM:532853) reported a 32% increase in revenues from 429 crores in 2024 to 566 crores in 2025. The company's EBITDA increased by 185%, from 21 crores in 2024 to 60 crores in 2025. Margins have doubled from 5% to 10%, indicating improved profitability. The company's total debt decreased from 200 crores in March 2024 to 160 crores in March 2025, showing effective deleveraging. Operating cash flows improved significantly, from 9 crores positive in 2024 to 57 crores positive in 2025, driven by profits and better working capital management. The company faces challenges due to global economic volatility, including tariff wars and currency fluctuations. There was a delay in capacity expansion for the yellow pigment line due to shipping delays, impacting production timelines. The API segment experienced margin contraction in Q4 compared to Q3, attributed to price decreases in some products. The demand environment for pigments remains uncertain, with no significant improvement expected in the near term. The company is facing increased competition and price drops in its main product, pregabalin, affecting profitability. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:532853. Q: What is the update on the new line for yellow pigment, and what is the investment made for the capacity expansion? A: The delay is now over, and the Chinese equipment is on its way. It should be fully operational within 3 to 4 months, adding about 40 tons to our existing capacity. The CapEx for this expansion is approximately 5 crores, which has mostly been completed. (Respondent: Unidentified_3, CEO) Q: Can you explain the impact of tariffs on the Azo business and the potential for profitability? A: The tariffs have opened opportunities, especially since China dominates the global share for Azo pigments. We are in a good position to capitalize on this, having started engaging with potential customers in the US. We expect to see performance improvements by the next quarter. (Respondent: Unidentified_4, Executive Director) Q: What are the challenges faced in the API segment, and how do you plan to address them? A: The backward integration project is performing well, but product prices, particularly for pregabalin, have decreased significantly. Despite this, we achieved a 12% revenue growth. We expect consolidation in the market as weaker players exit, and we aim to sustain our position through efficiency. (Respondent: Unidentified_3, CEO) Q: What is the current capacity utilization in the blue segment, and can you sustain 35% gross margins? A: The current capacity utilization is about 85-87%. We are confident in maintaining gross margins due to engineering and efficiency improvements, despite the challenging demand environment. (Respondent: Unidentified_4, Executive Director) Q: How do you plan to utilize the increased cash flow from achieving your growth targets? A: In the short term, we aim to continue deleveraging. Our debt-to-equity ratio has improved, and we plan to reduce it further. In the longer term, we will consider using free cash for growth opportunities and potential capex. (Respondent: Unidentified_3, CEO) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
