Chemists concern new warning for anybody taking ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac

The Nationwide Pharmacy Affiliation and Kidney Care UK have issued an alert to individuals who take quite common anti-inflammatory medicine

People have been warned to avoid reliance on drugs like ibuprofen for pain relief

Folks have been warned to keep away from reliance on medicine like ibuprofen for ache aid (Picture: Getty Photographs)

Buyers have been urged to tread fastidiously when counting on anti-inflammatory medicine reminiscent of ibuprofen for ache aid as a consequence of their influence on kidney well being. These at a heightened danger of kidney illness, together with diabetics and people with hypertension, must be significantly aware, warn Kidney Care UK and the Nationwide Pharmacy Affiliation (NPA).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can elevate blood strain and injury blood vessels within the kidneys. Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Medicines have the ability to hurt in addition to to heal.

“Though NSAIDs, reminiscent of ibuprofen, are efficient and protected medicines, sufferers ought to pay attention to their influence – significantly if a affected person is at elevated danger of creating kidney illness – and think about different remedy the place acceptable.

“If a affected person has considerations about their utilization of NSAIDs, they need to converse to their pharmacist who can advise them. Pharmacists are consultants in medicines and are greatest positioned to supply recommendation to individuals who could also be involved about any potential long-term impact of some medicines and can assist sufferers successfully handle ache.”

Roughly 7.2 million folks throughout the UK live with some type of power kidney illness, which regularly reveals no signs in its early phases.

Kidney Care UK additionally calculates that roughly a million folks stay undiagnosed. These at an elevated danger of creating the situation embody: people with diabetes; these with hypertension; folks with a household historical past of kidney illness; and members of black and south Asian communities.

Fiona Loud, coverage director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Kidney illness can occur to anybody at any time, and may have a devastating influence in your life, relationships, funds in addition to your bodily and psychological well being.”

Of the 294,999 people who accomplished the charity’s kidney well being checker between October 2024 and March 2026, almost 1 / 4 (24%) reported they frequently used over-the-counter remedy for ache aid.

Ms Loud additional added: “You possibly can lose as much as 90% of your kidney operate with out realising, so it is vital to pay attention to the indicators to look out for, to know for those who is likely to be at elevated danger, and what to do if you’re involved.

“It solely takes a couple of minutes to finish our on-line kidney well being checker to see for those who is likely to be at elevated danger.

“In case you have any considerations, you’ll be able to increase these along with your GP or have a chat along with your native pharmacist.”

The NHS says there’s a ’10 day rule’ for taking ibuprofen. Its recommendation says: “To cut back the chance of unwanted side effects, take the smallest dose you want for the shortest time you want it. Don’t take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for greater than 10 days until suggested to by a health care provider.

“For different varieties of ibuprofen, examine the packet or leaflet to see how lengthy you should use it for. See a GP in case your ache will get worse or doesn’t go away.”

Well being information, recommendation and signs to be careful for and extra Subscribe Invalid e mail

We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embody adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage