Concerns have once again been raised about the potential health risks associated with common medications and supplements that many people use.
Psychiatrist Dr. Yalda Safai told DailyMail.com about five drugs that require careful consideration regarding their risks and benefits due to an increased risk of cancer.
1. Birth control pills
Hormonal birth control may increase the risk of breast cancer due to artificial hormone levels, although it may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by reducing ovulation. It’s crucial for anyone considering these pills to discuss their family history of cancer with a healthcare provider.
2. Generic cold medications
Another area of concern highlighted by Dr. Safai is generic versions of over-the-counter cold medications, which were found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen linked to blood cancers like leukemia.
Although the FDA has announced plans to eliminate benzene from pharmaceuticals by 2026, Dr. Safai warns that users should be cautious of their drug choices, as benzene exposure is also found in various everyday products, including some hand sanitizers.
3. Ranitidine, brand name Zantac
Dr. Safai also mentioned ranitidine, better known as Zantac. This over-the-counter heartburn medication was recalled in 2020 after investigations revealed high levels of a cancer-causing contaminant called N-Nitrosodimethylamine. Although Zantac is no longer available for sale, it could still be present in some people’s medicine cabinets. She suggests using alternatives like Pepsin instead, which do not carry the same risks.
4. Supplements
The lack of regulation in dietary supplements poses significant health risks.
Dr. Safai advised against taking supplements unless absolutely necessary, as they often contain untested and potentially harmful ingredients. She mentioned past incidents where contaminants, such as lead and arsenic, were found in supplements, underlining the importance of knowing what is truly in these products before consumption.
5. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Dr. Safai included hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in her list of recommendations, commonly prescribed to millions of women to alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by increasing estrogen and progesterone levels.
Similar to birth control pills, HRT can elevate the risk of certain cancers, particularly a slight increase in breast cancer risk, as noted by Dr. Ashwin Sharma from ZipHealth and MedExpress.
Dr. Sharma emphasized the dual nature of HRT, which also appears to lower the risk of other types of cancer, including esophageal cancer.
The takeaway
It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment, as the way risks are communicated can often be misleading. Consult with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.