Could that familiar remedy be riskier than you think? Experts say millions may be overlooking this health concern
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Millions rely on a well-known over-the-counter aid for an uncomfortable and often painful condition.
It’s easy to find and even easier to grab when symptoms strike.
But new reports are drawing concern from health officials and raising serious questions about long-term safety.
The issue? A widely used medication that’s been on shelves for decades may not be as harmless as it seems.
For generations, people have used a certain bright-colored pill to soothe the burning and urgency that come with urinary tract infections.
The active ingredient—phenazopyridine—is a urinary tract analgesic.
It works by dulling the lining of the urinary tract, bringing temporary relief from pain, irritation, and frequent urination.
This compound is sold under various brand names and can be found both over-the-counter in the US and UK at a lower strength and as a prescription at a higher dose.
Concerns deepened after the National Institutes of Health shared results from multiple animal studies.
Rodents given dietary exposure to phenazopyridine developed tumors in several organs.
In one study, female mice developed both benign and malignant colorectal tumors.
While these results don’t confirm direct risk to humans, the NIH now considers the drug "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
That label isn’t given lightly, and other countries seem to be responding more cautiously.
In places like the UK, Canada, and US, phenazopyridine does not require a prescription.
Also read: The first new antibiotic in years has been approved—what it means for you
Surprisingly, some doctors are still in the dark about the cancer findings.
One gynecologist who regularly suggests the drug to patients waiting on lab results admitted, "It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware."
The concern isn’t just about the studies.
One expert from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices stated, "There is no need for this drug."
She emphasized that she personally would not recommend it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients have experienced:
Also read: Stop eating this now: The shocking food behind America's UTI epidemic!
Some over-the-counter options include a blend of methenamine and sodium salicylate.
These can help with pain and discomfort, though they do not treat the infection itself.
Antibiotics remain the only true cure for UTIs.
Common prescriptions include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fosfomycin.
Roughly half of all women in the US will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.
In contrast, only about 1 in 20 men will.
This difference is largely due to anatomy—women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Other contributing factors can be due to sexual activities.
A 2023 study from George Washington University examined bacteria from meat samples and compared it to those found in hospitalized UTI patients.
Researchers discovered that strains of E. coli from meat—especially chicken, turkey, and pork—could be responsible for the increasing UTI cases.
This link is raising fresh concerns as meat consumption continues to climb.
While some over-the-counter products can ease discomfort, only antibiotics will address the root infection.
If you’re thinking about using phenazopyridine, it’s worth talking to your doctor first—especially if you have kidney or liver concerns.
Read next: Unlock the natural power: Your ally in the fight against kidney stones and UTIs
Have you used this type of UTI remedy? Were you aware of the warnings? Your story could help others navigate a similar experience. Drop your thoughts in the comments and help build a smarter, safer community.
It’s easy to find and even easier to grab when symptoms strike.
But new reports are drawing concern from health officials and raising serious questions about long-term safety.
The issue? A widely used medication that’s been on shelves for decades may not be as harmless as it seems.
For generations, people have used a certain bright-colored pill to soothe the burning and urgency that come with urinary tract infections.
The active ingredient—phenazopyridine—is a urinary tract analgesic.
It works by dulling the lining of the urinary tract, bringing temporary relief from pain, irritation, and frequent urination.
This compound is sold under various brand names and can be found both over-the-counter in the US and UK at a lower strength and as a prescription at a higher dose.
Millions rely on a well-known over-the-counter aid for an uncomfortable and often painful condition. Image Source: Etactics Inc / Unsplash
Concerns deepened after the National Institutes of Health shared results from multiple animal studies.
Rodents given dietary exposure to phenazopyridine developed tumors in several organs.
In one study, female mice developed both benign and malignant colorectal tumors.
While these results don’t confirm direct risk to humans, the NIH now considers the drug "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
That label isn’t given lightly, and other countries seem to be responding more cautiously.
In places like the UK, Canada, and US, phenazopyridine does not require a prescription.
Also read: The first new antibiotic in years has been approved—what it means for you
Surprisingly, some doctors are still in the dark about the cancer findings.
One gynecologist who regularly suggests the drug to patients waiting on lab results admitted, "It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware."
The concern isn’t just about the studies.
One expert from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices stated, "There is no need for this drug."
She emphasized that she personally would not recommend it.
Side effects go beyond orange urine
Even for those who aren't alarmed by cancer discussions, side effects of phenazopyridine can be unpleasant—and in rare cases, serious.According to the Mayo Clinic, patients have experienced:
- Chest tightness
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Depression
- Muscle twitching
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Nosebleeds
Also read: Stop eating this now: The shocking food behind America's UTI epidemic!
Other options for relief—and the real cure
Those reconsidering this product may find comfort in knowing alternatives exist.Some over-the-counter options include a blend of methenamine and sodium salicylate.
These can help with pain and discomfort, though they do not treat the infection itself.
Antibiotics remain the only true cure for UTIs.
Common prescriptions include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fosfomycin.
Why UTIs strike so often—and who’s at risk
Urinary tract infections affect millions every year, and they tend to hit certain groups more frequently.Roughly half of all women in the US will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.
In contrast, only about 1 in 20 men will.
This difference is largely due to anatomy—women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Other contributing factors can be due to sexual activities.
Could meat be part of the problem?
Emerging evidence suggests that UTIs might also be linked to something less expected—food.A 2023 study from George Washington University examined bacteria from meat samples and compared it to those found in hospitalized UTI patients.
Researchers discovered that strains of E. coli from meat—especially chicken, turkey, and pork—could be responsible for the increasing UTI cases.
This link is raising fresh concerns as meat consumption continues to climb.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you suspect a UTI, don’t delay seeing a healthcare provider.While some over-the-counter products can ease discomfort, only antibiotics will address the root infection.
If you’re thinking about using phenazopyridine, it’s worth talking to your doctor first—especially if you have kidney or liver concerns.
Read next: Unlock the natural power: Your ally in the fight against kidney stones and UTIs
