Blood Pressure Medication Linked To Cancer

Commonly prescribed and used blood pressure medication may increase cancer risk, according to studies analyzed recently.

Studies examined as many as sixty thousand people to arrive at their conclusions about these blood pressure medications which are used by tens of millions of people.

The medications were seen to up the risk of cancers in general by 11 per cent and lung cancer in practical by as much as 25%.

To put it in simpler terms, this adds up to one additional case of cancer for every 105 blood pressure patients who have been taking the drug over a period of four years.

This class of medications, angiotensin-receptor blockers is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure and diabetes related kidney damage. The formulation is telmisartan, which is sold under different brand names such as Micardis etc.

The pharma companies that produce these drugs have disputed the findings and have said internal safely data analysis is contrary to these findings of increased cancer risk.

These medications can be replaced by other blood pressure medications, but patients have been warned not to make any changes or replacements by themselves, without consultation with and advice of their doctor.