Preliminary tests show a strong link between the onset of cancer and taking Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB). Angiotensin Receptor Blockers is a drug used to control blood pressure as well as heart and kidney problems.

English scientists claim to have discovered a disturbing link between of use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and getting cancer, particularly, they noticed an increase in lung, breast and prostate cancer.

The scientists studied over 60,000 people and discovered a 1% increase in risk of cancer for those taking this drug over those not on the medicine.

1% may not sound alarming and per the researchers, the cancer risk on an individual basis is moderate; however, with people around the world taking ARBs to control their blood pressure, this new discovery of ARBs causing cancer, could have devastating consequences.

Researchers have asked doctors around the world to seriously reconsider before subscribing Angiotensin Receptor Blockers to their patients. They’ve also advise patients who are currently taking ARBs not to quit taking them as the chance of heart failure may be high.

The antihypertension drugs associated with a modestly increased risk of cancer include those made by Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Merck & Co. and Novartis AG.

Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, wrote in an accompanying commentary in the Lancet that regulators should review any links between ARB use and cancer.

“In the interim, we should use ARBs, particularly telmisartan, with greater caution,” Dr. Nissen wrote. “These drugs are often over-prescribed, as a result of aggressive marketing and in the absence of evidence that they are better than angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,” another class of drugs.

Dr. Nissen, who is known for flagging drug safety issues, said ARBs should be reserved for patients with intolerance to ACE inhibitors, which are largely available as generics.

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