Latest news with #Phenazopyridine
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.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Popular over-the-counter drugs have been tied to cancer
Popular over-the-counter drugs used to treat uncomfortable urinary tract infections may come with a potential cancer risk. The drug is called phenazopyridine hydrochloride and is found in many pills - both generic and name-brand - that are used to treat a urinary tract infection. Women are typically at a higher risk than men for those kinds of infections. The pill, many of which sell for less than $15, are used to help reduce pain, burning and irritation associated with the infections. They promise relief in as little as 20 minutes. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride has been used for decades and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Now, recent studies have raised questions about its use. 'There is no need for this drug,' Rita Jew, who serves as the president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, told Bloomberg. 'The data available from epidemiological studies are inadequate to evaluate the relationship between human cancer and exposure specifically to phenazopyridine hydrochloride,' the report said. There are more than 8 million related visits to healthcare providers in the U.S. each year to treat a UTI, according to the American Urological Association. Many people experience repeat infections, and around 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetimes. But, even the labels on the drugs recognize that there is risk associated with the products. 'This product contains Phenazopyridine hydrochloride, known to the State of California to cause cancer,' the AZO label says. 'Long-term administration of phenazopyridine HCl has induced neoplasia in rats (large intestine) and mice (liver). Although no association between phenazopyridine HCl and human neoplasia has been reported, adequate epidemiological studies along these lines have not been conducted,' the URISTAT Pain Relief Tablet box notes. Neoplasia is the abnormal growth of cells. It was also listed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Service as a hazardous substance in 2001. Bloomberg also flagged that Phenazopyridine hydrochloride has been blamed for masking serious infections, slowing breathing, upset stomach and reddish-orange urine One adverse effect, known as methaemoglobinaemia, is rare but can be life-threatening. Still, even physicians may not have heard about the ties to cancer. 'It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware,' New York-based gynecologist Steven Goldstein told Bloomberg.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning as common over-the-counter drug taken by millions globally is ‘linked to cancer'
A COMMON over-the counter medication that's been available for decades and is taken by millions worldwide has been singled out for its possible cancer risk. Phenazopyridine, typically sold under brand names like Pyridium or Safrel and generally available over-the-counter in pharmacies and some supermarkets, is used to relieve symptoms caused by 2 Phenazopyridine has been linked to liver and bowel tumours in animal studies Credit: Getty It works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, decreasing burning, irritation and discomfort. But over the years, experts have warned the drug could cause cancer based on early evidence from animal studies. After a study published in 2021, the National Institutes for Health (NIH) warned dietary exposure to phenazopyridine caused tumours in two rodent species in two different tissue sites. Benign and malignant liver tumours were found in female mice, while benign and malignant bowel tumours were discovered in both sexes. Read more on UTIs It was noted while animal studies don't prove a direct link between human cancer and exposure to phenazopyridine, it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Phenazopyridine is available over the counter in the UK, but also by prescription in higher strengths. Potential side effects include chest tightness, dizziness, More severe adverse reactions may include seizures, trouble breathing, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Most read in Health Rita Jew, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, said personally she wouldn't advise taking phenazopyridine. She told : "There is no need for this drug. " Mum left in excruciating pain and unable to walk after taking just 3 antibiotic pills to treat UTI In the UK, it's estimated that up to 1.7 million women experience chronic UTIs, and a significant number of men and children also suffer. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enters through the tube that carries pee out of the body, known as the urethra. Women are more susceptible due to their shorter urethra, which gives bacteria a shorter path to the bladder. Several factors can Hygiene practices, age, and certain medical conditions also play a role. 2 Phenazopyridine is used to relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract, but antibiotics is the most common treatment Credit: Getty The most common treatment for UTIs is a short course of antibiotics. Remedies containing a mix of methenamine and sodium salicylate are seen as an alternative to phenazopyridine. New York-based gynecologist Steven Goldstein, who recommends the medication to patients while they're awaiting the results of urine tests, said he was unaware of the cancer links. "It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware," he told Bloomberg. The Sun has reached out to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on phenazopyridine and its safety as a UTI medication. Do you have a UTI and how should you treat it? Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria) needing to pee more often than usual needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia) needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual pee that looks cloudy blood in your pee lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery a very low temperature below 36C Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water. Children with UTIs may also: have a high temperature – your child is feeling hotter than usual if you touch their neck, back or tummy appear generally unwell – babies and young children may be irritable and not feed or eat properly wet the bed or wet themselves be sick If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, see your GP. If a GP thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed. A GP may also: offer self-care advice and recommend taking a painkiller give you a prescription for a short course of antibiotics give you a prescription for antibiotics, but suggest you wait for 48 hours before taking them in case your symptoms go away on their own It's important to take all the medicine you're prescribed, even if you start to feel better. If UTIs keep coming back, your GP may: prescribe a different antibiotic or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take for up to 6 months prescribe a vaginal cream, gel, tablet, pessary or ring containing oestrogen, if you are in perimenopause or have gone through the menopause prescribe tablets that treat the infection and stop it from coming back refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments Source: NHS
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning as common over-the-counter drug taken by millions globally is ‘linked to cancer'
While the finding has only been demonstrated in animals, some experts say there's 'no need' for the drug DRUG ALERT Warning as common over-the-counter drug taken by millions globally is 'linked to cancer' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COMMON over-the counter medication that's been available for decades and is taken by millions worldwide has been singled out for its possible cancer risk. Phenazopyridine, typically sold under brand names like Pyridium or Safrel and generally available over-the-counter in pharmacies and some supermarkets, is used to relieve symptoms caused by urinary tract infections. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Phenazopyridine has been linked to liver and bowel tumours in animal studies Credit: Getty It works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, decreasing burning, irritation and discomfort. But over the years, experts have warned the drug could cause cancer based on early evidence from animal studies. After a study published in 2021, the National Institutes for Health (NIH) warned dietary exposure to phenazopyridine caused tumours in two rodent species in two different tissue sites. Benign and malignant liver tumours were found in female mice, while benign and malignant bowel tumours were discovered in both sexes. It was noted while animal studies don't prove a direct link between human cancer and exposure to phenazopyridine, it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Phenazopyridine is available over the counter in the UK, but also by prescription in higher strengths. Potential side effects include chest tightness, dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic. More severe adverse reactions may include seizures, trouble breathing, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Rita Jew, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, said personally she wouldn't advise taking phenazopyridine. She told Bloomberg: "There is no need for this drug." Mum left in excruciating pain and unable to walk after taking just 3 antibiotic pills to treat UTI In the UK, it's estimated that up to 1.7 million women experience chronic UTIs, and a significant number of men and children also suffer. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enters through the tube that carries pee out of the body, known as the urethra. Women are more susceptible due to their shorter urethra, which gives bacteria a shorter path to the bladder. Several factors can increase your risk of UTIs, including sexual activity, certain birth control methods, and pre-existing conditions. Hygiene practices, age, and certain medical conditions also play a role. 2 Phenazopyridine is used to relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract, but antibiotics is the most common treatment Credit: Getty The most common treatment for UTIs is a short course of antibiotics. Remedies containing a mix of methenamine and sodium salicylate are seen as an alternative to phenazopyridine. New York-based gynecologist Steven Goldstein, who recommends the medication to patients while they're awaiting the results of urine tests, said he was unaware of the cancer links. "It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware," he told Bloomberg. The Sun has reached out to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on phenazopyridine and its safety as a UTI medication.
Bloomberg
20-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Is Your UTI Pain Reliever Safe and Effective?
Industries The Big Take Phenazopyridine is not approved by the FDA despite being widely available in the US over the counter. By Save Many women have, for decades, taken a drug called phenazopyridine to control pain from urinary tract infections that has not been vetted or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Consumers and even doctors recommending the drug are not all aware that it lacks FDA approval and may pose a cancer risk. Here's what to know.
