Ibuprofen can harm kidneys

[okarol]

From the Los Angeles Times
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY

Ibuprofen can harm kidneys

Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon
The People's Pharmacy

December 17, 2007

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. My doctor and I were shocked that my creatinine level was very high, indicating I was near kidney failure.

After careful consideration of the medications I was using, we determined that ibuprofen was the culprit. I quit taking it immediately. My creatinine levels have been normal since. I don't think many people consider kidney damage as a side effect of regular ibuprofen use.

Millions of people take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen every day to relieve pain and inflammation. 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 ulcers. No one should take NSAIDs for more than 10 days without medical supervision.

I was surprised that you didn't discuss to plant stanol esters in an item about lowering cholesterol. Six years ago, my husband's cholesterol was at 385. We didn't want him to take statins because of interactions with other health problems. His cardiologist recommended at least one tablespoon of Benecol at each meal and some other dietary changes. This brought his cholesterol down to 185.

The Food and Drug Administration has concluded that stanol esters can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Spreads such as Benecol and Promise activ contain these plant products.

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-pharmacy17dec17,1,5036153.column?ctrack=3&cset=true

[goofynina]

I have a friend who takes Ibuprofen religiously, i think i better show her this 

[Sluff]

I use naproxin all the time for pain. It's the only thing that works.

[charee]

we have warnings on the packets and on the tv commericals.

[mariannas]

Huh...I thought this was old news!  When I received my transplant in 1984, the doctors told my parents to never, ever give me ibuprofen.  They also told my mom (my donor) not to take it either since she was now one kidney short.  I'm allowed to take tylenol based products, but no ibuprofen or aspirin. 

[Romona]

I tell everyone to stay away from it. I know several people that have had damage from ibuprofen.

[okarol]

Most kidney patients know not to take Ibuprofen, but other people have damaged their kidneys, all the while thinking it was a "safe" pain reliever because it is available over the counter.

[Zach]

Tylenol is also problematic for some people if they take it longer than a week or two at a time.
Why do you suppose the elderly are coming down with kidney failure at a high rate?  Maybe because "it's so safe, Hospitals use it."


November 2003

From Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
In some people, overuse of some analgesics can lead to kidney damage

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Overuse of some analgesics may lead to irreversible kidney damage in susceptible people, according to one conclusion of a national study being reported today (Nov. 14) at the American Society of Nephrology annual meeting in San Diego.
Vardaman Buckalew, M.D., a nephrologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and a coauthor, said that heavy use of aspirin or acetaminophen is associated with a recently discovered condition known as SICK (Small, Indented and Calcified Kidneys). SICK is detected by CT scan of the kidneys of people with irreversible kidney failure.

To read the entire article:

http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037580.html

[Black]

And acetaminophen (Tylenol) is what they were telling Mike to take instead of the NSAIDs, when it is known that most PKD patients also have liver cysts.    I told him to take small amounts of aspirin instead and only when he really needed it.  Were still awaiting results of his liver ultrasound done on 12/3.  (Where's that icon with the crossed arms , deep frown, and patting foot.  )

[goofynina]

Hmm, and when i have a headache or any kind of pain, i usually pop 5 extra strength tylenol every 4 hours    Think i better slow down on that huh?