NSAIDs Don’t Mix with Kidney Disease

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been linked to kidney disease. People with kidney damage are often advised to avoid drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib. A new survey of more than 12,000 Americans reveals, however, that people with kidney disease take such NSAIDs more often than people with healthy kidneys. Five percent of those with moderate or severe kidney impairment were taking the painkillers, compared to about 2.5 percent of the general population.
The investigators suggest that many people may be unaware of the dangers of NSAIDs for kidney function, perhaps because some of these drugs are so readily available without a prescription. People with high blood pressure and diabetes should have their kidney function tested periodically. If kidney function is reduced, it is critical to talk with the doctor before taking NSAID-type pain relievers.
[Annals of Family Medicine, Sept/Oct 2011]