The headline “Taking this could be affecting your kidneys, consult your doctor!” is too vague to be useful. Many different medications and supplements can affect kidney function, but you should not stop a prescribed medication without first speaking with the healthcare professional who prescribed it, unless you’re having a severe allergic reaction or another medical emergency.
Some substances that can affect the kidneys include:
- Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and other NSAID pain relievers, especially with long-term or high-dose use.
- Certain antibiotics and antiviral medications.
- Some chemotherapy drugs.
- Certain imaging contrast dyes used during CT scans or angiograms.
- Some herbal supplements, which may contain ingredients that can be harmful to the kidneys or interact with medications.
Possible signs of kidney problems
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes
- Changes in how much you urinate
- Blood in the urine or very foamy urine
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath (in more severe cases)
When to talk to your doctor
It’s especially important to review your medications if you:
- Have existing kidney disease
- Have Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Are over age 65
- Take multiple medications or supplements
If you’re concerned about a specific medication or supplement, tell me its name, and I can explain whether it is known to affect kidney function and what precautions are generally recommended.
