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6 August 2026

WHO classification of medicines as carcinogenic

The topic involves a report from a major international health agency (IARC/WHO) regarding public health safety, which is directly relevant to health policy and regulatory oversight in India.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 2 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, particularly in transplant recipients on long-term therapy.
  • 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; experts advise against discontinuing 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 2 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 recent classification of essential medicines as carcinogenic by the IARC highlights the critical need for robust pharmacovigilance in India. Discuss the challenges of irrational drug prescription and the role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring patient safety. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The inclusion of essential medicines in the IARC's list of carcinogens presents a complex challenge for public health policy. Analyze the balance between the therapeutic benefits of essential medicines and the necessity of risk communication in a country with high rates of self-medication and over-the-counter drug availability. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following medicines was classified as 'carcinogenic to humans' (Group 1) by the IARC?

  2. What is the primary purpose of the IARC Monographs published by the WHO?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-06/who-classification-of-medicines-as-carcinogenic