Tell any doctor or pharmacist recommending a medicine for you about your kidney condition and the medicines you are taking.

• Only treat minor ailments by yourself for a few days. If your symptoms change, get worse or last for more than a couple of days, see your doctor.
• Be aware that some tablets your doctor prescribes can also be bought over the counter. Be careful not to take double the dose.
• If you have diabetes, please let your pharmacist know.
• Tell your pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
• Try to use the same pharmacy so the pharmacist can build up a complete picture of all the medicines you are taking. The pharmacist will then be able to provide you with the best advice.
• If you find you need to treat the same symptoms frequently, mention them to your doctor at your next visit.
• When your kidney team ask which medicines you take, include those you buy yourself.
• Be careful not to take more than one medicine with paracetamol in – do not forget that co-codamol and co-dydramol both contain paracetamol.
• Avoid effervescent tablets because they contain sodium (salt) and this can increase your blood pressure.
• If you have a transplant, do not take any indigestion medicines for one hour before or after your transplant medicines.
• Remember that although some medicines are not recommended for you to buy, they may be safe for your doctor to prescribe in specific doses.

You may have other medical conditions as well as CKD and are therefore prescribed several medicines from your doctor. Some of the medicines that can be bought over the counter from pharmacies and other shops may be unsuitable for you because of your CKD. This can include tablets, capsules, liquids, inhalers or creams that either your doctor prescribes you, or that you buy yourself.

What could happen if I take them?

• They may cause problems with other medicines you take.
• Some may make your kidney function worse.
• Some products contain things that are bad for you, like potassium, sodium or aluminium.

Always consult your GP, kidney doctor or pharmacist before changing or starting any medications.

Most medicines have two names: the real (drug) name and the brand (company) name. On our website, the brand name will be indicated by the use of a capital first letter and a registered trademark symbol ® – like Neoral®. Doctors tend to use the real name of the drug.

You should always store your medicines in their original packet in a cool, dry place, out of the sight and reach of children. Do not get rid of any expired or unwanted tablets by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away. Take them to your local pharmacy who will dispose of them for you.