Worried that popping a painkiller or taking your diabetes meds will wreck your kidneys? You’re not alone — but it’s time to separate fact from fear. We spoke to a specialist who debunks common myths about medications and kidney health and explains what you really need to watch out for.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTDR RAFIDAH ABDULLAH Consultant Physician and Nephrologist Hospital Putrajaya |
During the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia’s 12th Patient Forum for Kidney Failure Patients, Dr Rafidah Abdullah shares some valuable insight on the subject of our kidneys and the usage of medications.
PAINKILLERS
Do They Have a Negative Effect on the Kidneys?
“Of course,” says Dr Rafidah.
Even common over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin can be harmful to the kidneys if they are taken at high dosage or in high frequency, such as daily.
Dr Rafidah advises patients with kidney diseases to see a doctor if they experience frequent pain.
“It is better to identify and address the cause of the pain instead of simply relying on painkillers,” she adds.
If painkillers are necessary, such as when the patient suffers from gout, they must be taken based on the dosage and frequency prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
ANTIBIOTICS
Do They Have a Negative Effect on the Kidneys?
Maybe.
“Certain antibiotics can affect the kidneys,” says Dr Rafidah.
“However, antibiotics in general are prescribed for a short duration of time, rarely more than 2 or 3 weeks. Hence, it is rare to encounter complications,” she adds.
The best solution is to take antibiotics in the manner prescribed by the doctor.
DIABETES MEDICATIONS
Do They Have a Negative Effect on the Kidneys?
No.
“Many people believe that diabetes medication can damage the kidneys, but this is not true,” says Dr Rafidah.
In fact, if a patient has both diabetes and kidney disease, good blood glucose management is essential to control both diseases!
The misperception often arises when a patient with both kidney disease and diabetes is told to reduce the dosage or stop taking certain diabetes medications when the kidney problem reaches an advanced stage.
“We do not do this because these medications are damaging the kidneys,” she explains. “We do this because the kidneys are damaged to such an extent that we now want to reduce the stress on the kidneys.”
To conclude, diabetes medications are fine as long as they are taken correctly, as advised by a healthcare professional.
| This article is part of our series on kidney health. |
