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5 August 2026

WHO agency classifies medicines as carcinogenic

The IARC is a significant international agency whose reports on public health and drug safety directly impact India's regulatory framework for essential medicines and patient welfare.

1 min read Day 1 of 2 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body, has classified three widely used medicines as 'carcinogenic to humans' (Group 1).
  • The medicines are: Hydrochlorothiazide (hypertension), Voriconazole (fungal infections), and Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant for organ transplants).
  • All three drugs are included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide is linked to squamous cell skin carcinoma and lip cancer.
  • Voriconazole is associated with squamous cell skin carcinoma in transplant recipients on prolonged therapy due to phototoxic mechanisms.
  • Tacrolimus is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, with limited evidence for leukaemia and skin carcinoma.
  • IARC classification is a 'hazard identification' and does not imply an immediate need for patients to discontinue treatment without medical consultation.
  • Concerns exist regarding irrational prescribing, over-the-counter availability, and poor adherence to ethical prescribing practices in India.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in IARC classification of medicines as carcinogenic, which has been running since 5 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. The classification of essential medicines as carcinogenic by international health agencies presents a challenge to public health policy. Discuss the balance between therapeutic necessity and risk management in the context of India's drug regulatory framework. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The issue of irrational prescribing and over-the-counter availability of drugs remains a significant hurdle in India's healthcare system. In light of recent global findings on the carcinogenicity of essential medicines, evaluate the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring ethical prescribing practices and patient safety. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following medicines has been classified as 'carcinogenic to humans' (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-05/who-agency-classifies-medicines-as-carcinogenic