Many people in Australia take medicine every day to help control high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
This condition affects more than one in three adults over the age of 18. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to very serious problems like heart disease or stroke.
One of the most common medicines used to treat high blood pressure is called hydrochlorothiazide. It has been used widely in Australia for many years. This medicine helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart problems.
However, new research from UNSW Sydney has found something worrying. The study shows that hydrochlorothiazide may raise the risk of getting skin cancer, especially in older people.
The scientists found that this medicine can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means people who take it may get sunburned more easily. Over time, too much sun exposure can lead to skin damage and even skin cancer. This is especially true for older adults, whose skin is already more fragile.
The study looked at medical records of people aged 65 and older who lived in New South Wales. The researchers used information from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They studied data from 2004 to 2015, including details about hospital visits, medicine use, and cancer diagnoses. More than 13,000 people were included in the research.
The team compared two groups: one group had people who were diagnosed with skin cancer, including lip cancer and melanoma. The other group included people who did not have any kind of skin cancer.
The results were surprising. People who had taken hydrochlorothiazide were more likely to develop melanoma and lip cancer than those who had not taken the drug. The longer someone used the drug, the higher the risk became—especially for lip cancer.
This may sound scary, but doctors say it’s important not to panic or stop taking the medicine on your own. High blood pressure is still a serious health risk. If people suddenly stop their medication, they may face dangerous health problems. So the advice is to speak with your doctor before making any changes.
Instead of stopping the medicine, there are safer ways to reduce the risk. For example, people taking hydrochlorothiazide should be careful in the sun. They should wear sunscreen, hats, and clothes that cover their skin.
They should also try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Older adults may also want to visit a skin doctor for regular checkups to catch any signs of skin cancer early.
Because of this study, the warning label on hydrochlorothiazide in Australia has been updated. It now includes information about the possible risk of skin cancer. This helps doctors and patients stay informed and take steps to stay safe.
Other studies from around the world have also found similar links between this drug and skin cancer. So this new research adds to a growing number of studies that say medicines can be helpful, but they can also have side effects that need to be managed.
Dr. Benjamin Daniels, the lead researcher, says the results can help patients and doctors work together to make better choices. Treating high blood pressure isn’t just about looking after the heart—it’s also about caring for the whole person, including their skin and overall health.
The study was published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. It reminds us all that long-term medications should be used carefully, and regular talks with your doctor are important to make sure you stay healthy and safe.
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