Health Experts Issue Warning on Common Painkillers and Kidney Health
Health experts are urging the public to exercise increased caution when using widely available painkillers such as ibuprofen, due to emerging concerns about potential risks to kidney function. Charities and medical associations highlight that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes or high blood pressure, should be particularly vigilant about their medication choices to avoid adverse effects.
Risks Associated with NSAIDs
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Kidney Care UK have jointly emphasised that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include medications like naproxen and diclofenac, can lead to elevated blood pressure and damage the small blood vessels within the kidneys. This damage can significantly impair renal function over time, posing serious health threats.
Current statistics reveal that approximately 7.2 million people across the United Kingdom are living with chronic kidney disease. Alarmingly, Kidney Care UK estimates that nearly one million additional cases remain undiagnosed, primarily because the early stages of the condition often present no noticeable symptoms, making detection challenging without proactive screening.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, stated: "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." He further advised that anyone with concerns about their NSAID usage should consult a pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Picard added: "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." This guidance is especially critical for high-risk demographics, including members of Black and South Asian communities and individuals with a family history of kidney issues.
Identifying and Mitigating Risks
Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, explained: "Kidney disease can happen to anyone at any time, and can have a devastating impact on your life." She noted that the condition not only affects physical health but also has profound implications for financial stability and personal relationships.
Data from the charity's kidney health checker, used by 294,999 people between October 2024 and March 2026, showed that almost a quarter (24%) of respondents regularly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief. Loud warned: "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." She encouraged the public to use the online kidney health checker, which takes only a few minutes, to assess potential risks and discuss any concerns with a GP or local pharmacist.
This advisory underscores the importance of informed medication use and regular health checks to safeguard kidney function, particularly for those in vulnerable groups.
