Hyderabad: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified three widely used active pharmaceutical ingredients, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Voriconazole, and Tacrolimus, as Group 1 carcinogens, indicating there is conclusive scientific evidence that these agents can cause cancer in humans. However, health experts have strongly advised patients to continue their prescribed treatment and consult their doctors before making any changes, warning that uncontrolled hypertension poses a far greater immediate health risk. Hydrochlorothiazide is a commonly prescribed medicine for the treatment of essential hypertension and edema, while Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal used for severe systemic fungal infections. Health authorities and cardiologists have emphasized that the immediate dangers of uncontrolled hypertension, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure, outweigh the long-term statistical risk of skin cancer associated with Hydrochlorothiazide. They also pointed out that several alternative antihypertensive treatment regimens are available for patients if clinically required, reports Telangana Today.