Skip to main content

FDA Labeling Change: Hydrochlorothiazide and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

    Basic Details
    Date
    Communication Type
    Labeling Change
    FDA Center
    CDER
    Medical Product
    hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
    Health Outcome(s)
    non-melanoma skin cancer
    Description

    In response to observational studies showing an elevated risk of non-melanoma skin cancer associated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) use, FDA assessed the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer for patients treated with HCTZ-containing products compared to non-HCTZ angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-containing products in the Sentinel System. FDA found HCTZ is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. In the Sentinel study, increased risk was predominantly for squamous cell carcinoma and in white patients taking large cumulative doses. These findings informed additions to the Adverse Reactions and Information for Patients sections of the label.