People Warned Not to Rely on Ibuprofen for Pain Relief Due to Risk of Kidney Disease

People Warned Not to Rely on Ibuprofen for Pain Relief Due to Risk of Kidney Disease

Original article courtesy of Storm Newton, Press Association Health Reporter

People are being warned not to rely too heavily on common over the counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen for pain relief due to a potential risk of kidney disease.

Experts highlight that people at higher risk of kidney disease, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or from Black and South Asian communities, should be particularly cautious.

Key points

• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can affect kidney function.

• These medicines can increase blood pressure and damage blood vessels in the kidneys.

• People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk of kidney disease.

• An estimated 7.2 million people in the UK are living with chronic kidney disease.

• Around one million people in England are undiagnosed, according to Kidney Care UK.

• Many people regularly rely on over-the-counter pain relief, often without understanding the risks.

  
  

Why this matters for kidney health

• Kidney disease is often called a silent condition, with no symptoms in the early stages.

• You can lose a significant amount of kidney function before noticing any warning signs.

• Managing blood pressure and medication use is essential to protect long-term kidney health.

"At the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE), we see first-hand how late kidney disease is often diagnosed, especially within the African Caribbean community. I was diagnosed at stage 4, which is why we strongly believe that raising awareness about everyday risks — including over-the-counter medication use — is key to prevention and better outcomes." - Candice McKenzie, founder & director of the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE)

If you are concerned

If you are concerned about your medication or the impact they can have on your health, please speak to your GP or local pharmacist for advice.

What action can you take today?

• A | Ask your pharmacist or GP - If you regularly take pain relief such as ibuprofen, speak to your pharmacist or GP to understand the safest options for you.

• C | Consider your kidney risk - If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, take extra care with medication use.

• K | Keep healthy habits - Reduce salt and processed foods, stay active, limit alcohol, and stop smoking to lower your risk of kidney disease.

• E | Educate yourself - Learn about safe use of medications and kidney health. Follow trusted sources like ACKEE on Instagram and Facebook

• E | Engage with your community - Share this information and encourage others to speak to healthcare professionals if they are concerned.

How you can support ACKEE:

• Share – Share this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health

• Donate – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to champions like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today. Your generosity helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community.