The Potential Cancer, Health Risks Lurking in One Popular OTC Drug
A widely available drug for urinary tract infections has never been formally approved by the US government. It’s not the only one.
Phenazopyridine, sold under such brand names as Azo and Uristat, is easily accessible to consumers and has not been formally approved by the FDA.
Photographer: Jaida Grey Eagle/BloombergMany women have, for decades, taken a drug called phenazopyridine to control pain from urinary tract infections. Sold under such brand names as Azo and Uristat, it’s available in most US pharmacies or groceries with a well-stocked health aisle and doesn’t require a prescription. Target Corp. and Walmart Inc. both offer their own generic versions.
Given the ease of purchase, it’s a good bet many users assume the drug has been vetted by US regulators and found to be safe and effective. It hasn’t. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration 20 years ago raised questions about whether it truly works, as well as its potential to cause cancer. But the agency never acted on its own concerns.