Your friends, family or colleagues might be used to reaching for an ibuprofen when they have a headache or need some quick pain relief – but by taking certain pain medications for a long period of time or in high doses, they could be putting their kidney health at risk.
That’s why Kidney Care UK are joining with the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), who represent around 6000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, to warn patients not to over-rely on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen.
Around one in four people who completed our Kidney Health Checker told us they regularly use over-the-counter medication for pain relief, but NSAIDs increase blood pressure and cause damage to the blood vessels inside the kidneys.
Our recent survey also found out that around three quarters of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were unaware, prior to their diagnosis, that NSAIDs could have a negative impact on kidney function if used long term or in high doses.
Our latest report, Falling through the GApp, highlighted that many people are not being told about their kidney disease in a timely manner or being helped to understand what that diagnosis means and what changes in lifestyle may be necessary: 1 in 10 people (11%) found out they had CKD by seeing it recorded in the NHS App, and 40% did not have the opportunity to discuss their diagnosis with a healthcare professional.
Most of those who were not made aware of their diagnosis when it was first recorded had waited one year between the diagnosis being confirmed by a healthcare professional and them being notified that they have kidney disease.
People with kidney disease must be told about their diagnoses as soon as possible and get proper advice on how to look after their kidneys, and including which medications to avoid.
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 effect of some medicines and can help patients effectively manage pain.Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association
Chris, a 42 year-old kidney patient from Lancashire, was one of many people who hadn't heard about the negative impacts medicines like ibuprofen could have:
I never knew that NSAIDs could be damaging my kidney function until after I had my kidney transplant. I know now to avoid them, but I have no idea what impact taking them in the past had on my kidneys. I think it’s really important that people know that whilst medicines like ibuprofen can help, they can also be harmful for some people – and what they should take instead.Chris, kidney patient
Which painkillers are safe for people with kidney disease?
NSAIDS include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. They should be avoided if you have chronic kidney disease or a have a kidney transplant.
NSAIDS may be safe to take if you are on dialysis and do not produce any urine, but can still be risky if taken for a long period of time.
Paracetamol is safe for kidney patients to take in the standard dose. You can find out more about which painkillers are safe for people with CKD in our patient information booklet.