Q. Over-the-counter ibuprofen was my friend. I thought it was a miracle drug for pain and inflammation. I have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and I took ibuprofen often to relieve pain.
Then I went for a routine physical, which included blood work and urinalysis. Both my internal medicine doctor and I were shocked that my creatinine level was very high–indicating I was close to kidney failure.
After careful consideration of the medications I was using, we determined that ibuprofen was the culprit. I quit taking it immediately on my doctor’s orders. My creatinine levels have been normal ever since.
I don’t think many people consider kidney damage as a side effect of regular ibuprofen use. I certainly had no idea.
A. Millions of people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen every day to relieve pain and inflammation. Many assume such OTC medications are risk free.
These pain relievers can be hard on the kidneys, especially when taken for a long time. Other complications may include liver damage, fluid retention, high blood pressure, heart failure and stomach ulcers. No one should take NSAIDs for more than 10 days without careful medical supervision.
Thank you for sharing your story. It may help others avoid a similar problem. We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with detailed information about the dangers of NSAIDs and prednisone plus many non-drug alternatives for pain relief.
