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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.
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I am wondering if Tylenol would have the same effect on kidneys... also wonder if there is any connection to hair loss and high blood pressure. I take 1 extra strength almost every day, altho' I try to skip a day when my knees are not hurting me.
I developed hives several months ago on three different occasions. Then I went into anaphylactic shock. My allergist and I concluded it was ibuprofen. I avoid all NSAIDS and carry a epi pen at all times.
1/05 developed kidney cancer, 2/05 had kidney removed. Prior to 1/05 I took 2 200mg. tabs twice a day for many years. I also smoked all my life. I guess I did not have a chance. Do yourself a favor and quit both.
I saw your article in today's newspaper. After two years of daily ibuprofin use (about 1800mg./day) I developed peripheral edema from proteinuria. After a kidney biopsy I was diagnosed with minimal change disease. Three months of high dosage prednisone resolved the problem.
Minimal Change is a misnomer as the edema was extreme--very high cholesterol levels followed--and my blood pressure skyrocketed with the prednisone. Prednisone has many unpleasant side effects physically and psychologically.
My nephrologist was never interested in the cause of my acute kidney condition. He was focused on curing it. I am sure however that my religious overuse of ibuprofin for plantar fascitis and back pain was the cause.
Recent articles such as yours confirm this. I will never overuse nsaids again; and I advise others not to. I am a middle-aged serious athlete who let his competitive desire overwhelm his common sense. I know there are others like me. Be cautious.
Thanks for the warning. Now I'll do my best to remember.
By the way, I read and researched online that one way to relief arthritis pain is to drink the water containing potato starch created from shredding and rinsing the potato pulp.
Ayurveda is making a comeback as the population learns the benefits of self-sufficiency and growing our own food and medicine. Hippocrates (the father of medicine) said, "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food."
I am a 39 yo female with arthritis. I take ibuprofen every day , any where from 600 mg to 1000 per day (most days) for hand knee and back pain. The past month I have noticed urinary frequency, voiding in small amounts and some urgency along with pain in my mid back around (flank pain). Can the ibuprofen be causing these problems?
Does anyone know how I can reduce my creatinine, using a natural herb or supplement before I have serious problems with my kidneys? My current blood work indicates a level of 1.5 with a GFR of 46, which puts me into stage 3 kidney failure.
try astragalus and q10, helped my father a lot. you can find some encouraging research on those in literature.
Hi
I am a 52 year male and have been managing my joint pain (mainly ankles) for the past 10 years by swallowing one 100mg Diclofenac Sodium slow release capsule. However last few weeks have noticed foamy urine and upon tests (24 hour urine) its confirmed I have Proteinuria (2 gram leakage).
I have been advised to stop my NSAIDS dose but unfortunately cannot walk or work or drive if this medication not taken
Any alternative medications known - pls advise and Thanks