Studies have shown that phenacetin has been associated with
renal cancers and other urologic
diseases. It has also been associated with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore,
the pharmaceutical has been labeled as a
carcinogen. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are also
cautioned against using the drug due to
its side effect of blood cell hemolysis. Other
side effects of phenacetin include renal papillary necrosis and analgesic
nephropathy.
