What precautions should one use when working with phenacetin?

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.