Urgent warning issued to anyone taking this common painkiller which may cause kidney damage
Around one million people have kidney disease but are not aware of it 🚨
- People are being urged not to over-rely on medications such as ibuprofen.
- NSAIDs can increase blood pressure as well as cause damage to the blood vessels inside the kidneys.
- Around one million people who have kidney disease are unaware they have it.
Patients are being warned not to over-rely on medications such as ibuprofen due to their impact on kidney function.
Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) are urging people not to over-rely on NSAIDs to manage pain or inflammation, particularly for those who might be at increased risk of kidney disease.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. These medicines can increase blood pressure as well as cause damage to the blood vessels inside the kidneys.
The warnings come as a new survey by Kidney Care UK found that almost three-quarters of people living with Kidney Disease were unaware that NSAIDs like ibuprofen could negatively impact kidney function if used long-term or in high doses.
The charity’s latest report found that many people are not being told about their kidney disease diagnosis in a timely manner, with one in 10 (11%) finding out via the NHS App, and 40% not having the opportunity to discuss their diagnosis with a healthcare professional.
Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal. Although NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are effective and safe medicines, patients should be aware of their impact, particularly if a patient is at increased risk of developing kidney disease and consider alternative medication where appropriate.
“If a patient has concerns about their usage of NSAIDs, they should speak to their pharmacist, who can advise them. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are best placed to offer advice to people who may be concerned about any potential long-term effects of some medicines, and can help patients effectively manage pain.”
Who is at risk of kidney disease?
There are around one million people who have kidney disease but are not aware of it. Those who are at increased risk of developing kidney disease include:
- People who have high blood pressure
- People with diabetes
- People with a family history of kidney disease
- People from Black and South Asian communities.
Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Kidney disease can happen to anyone at any time, and can have a devastating impact on your life, relationships, finances, as well as your physical and mental health.
“You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function without realising, so it’s important to be aware of the signs to look out for, to know if you might be at increased risk, and what to do if you are concerned.
“It only takes a few minutes to complete our online Kidney Health Checker to see if you might be at increased risk. If you have any concerns, you can raise these with your GP or have a chat with your local pharmacist.”
You can find out more about the symptoms and if you might be at an increased risk of kidney disease at Kidney Health UK.