Diabetics or people with high blood pressure should be particularly careful, experts warn
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain (Image: Getty Images)
Medical experts have urged people to be cautious of relying on anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for pain relief due to their hidden risks.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can impact kidney function by increasing blood pressure and damaging blood vessels inside the kidneys.
People with a higher risk of kidney disease, such as diabetics or people with high blood pressure, should be particularly careful, according to Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).
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Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, warned: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal.
“Although NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are effective and safe medicines, patients should be aware of their impact – particularly if a patient is at increased risk of developing kidney disease – and consider alternative medication where appropriate.
“If a patient has concerns about their usage of NSAIDs, they should speak to their pharmacist who can advise them.
“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are best placed to offer advice to people who may be concerned about any potential long-term effect of some medicines and can help patients effectively manage pain.”
The NHS advises not taking ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days (Image: PA)
The NHS advises taking the smallest dose of ibuprofen you need for the shortest time you need it to reduce the risk of side effects. “Do not take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor,” it warns on the NHS website.
Around 7.2 million people in the UK are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, which usually has no symptoms in the early stages. According to the NHS, the condition has no cure.
Chronic kidney disease can get worse over time and eventually cause kidney failure, a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working. Kidney Care UK also estimates that about one million people are undiagnosed with the condition.
Those at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease include: diabetics; people with high blood pressure; people with a family history of kidney disease; and those from black and south Asian communities.
Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, said: “Kidney disease can happen to anyone at any time, and can have a devastating impact on your life, relationships, finances as well as your physical and mental health.”
Of the 294,999 people who completed the charity’s kidney health checker between October 2024 and March 2026, almost a quarter (24 per cent) said they regularly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
Ms Loud added: “You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function without realising, so it’s important to be aware of the signs to look out for, to know if you might be at increased risk, and what to do if you are concerned.
“It only takes a few minutes to complete our online kidney health checker to see if you might be at increased risk.
“If you have any concerns, you can raise these with your GP or have a chat with your local pharmacist.”