Latest news with #phenazopyridine
New York Post
6 days ago
- 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.
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Common 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 across the world, is used to relieve symptoms caused by urinary tract infections. In Australia, the urinary analgesic is not readily available over-the-counter and generally requires a prescription from a healthcare professional. 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, according to The Sun. Study links common pain drug to cancer 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'. 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'. In Australia, it's estimated that one in two (50 per cent) of women experience UTIs in their lifetime, and a significant number of men and children also suffer. What is a urinary tract infection? UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from faeces entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enters through the tube that carries urine 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. 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 gynaecologist 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.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
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.
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.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Popular Over-the-Counter Drug Phenazopyridine Linked to Possible Cancer
Over-the-counter medicine may seem harmless because a prescription from a doctor isn't needed to get it. But over-the-counter drugs are still medicine, and it's always important to check with a doctor before taking any meds. "Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine," the Food and Drug Administration states on the agency's website. "All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional." Now, a drug that has been available for decades is being singled out as having a possible link to cancer and other health issues. According to a May 19 report in Bloomberg, phenazopyridine is a drug used to control pain from urinary tract infections. "Sold under such brand names as Azo and Uristat, it's available in most U.S. pharmacies or groceries with a well-stocked health aisle and doesn't require a prescription," Anna Edney of Bloomberg states in the piece. "Phenazopyridine is used to relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract," the Mayo Clinic says of the medicine. According to Bloomberg, "Phenazopyridine belongs to a vast pool of widely available drugs for which the FDA has never adopted formal rules." Edney adds that these medicines are "grandfathered in." The medicine is also not available in Canada or major European countries without a prescription, according to the report. So, what's the issue with the drug? Bloomberg states that it "has been faulted for masking serious infections that require medical attention and antibiotics," and "in high enough doses or if taken too long, it can slow breathing and lead to death, according to multiple physician accounts in medical journals and adverse event reports filed to the FDA." The report adds that "phenazopyridine may also cause cancer" and that "a National Cancer Institute study in 1978 showed it caused tumors in lab rats and mice, and the National Toxicology Program describes it as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.'"
