People have been warned to avoid reliance on drugs like ibuprofen for pain relief (Image: Getty Images)
Shoppers have been urged to tread carefully when relying on anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for pain relief due to their impact on kidney health. Those at a heightened risk of kidney disease, including diabetics and individuals with high blood pressure, should be particularly mindful, warn Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac can elevate blood pressure and damage blood vessels in the kidneys. Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, stated: “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.”
Approximately 7.2 million people across the UK are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, which often shows no symptoms in its early stages.
Kidney Care UK also calculates that roughly one million people remain undiagnosed. Those at an elevated risk of developing the condition include: individuals with diabetes; those with high blood pressure; people with a family history of kidney disease; and members of black and south Asian communities.
Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, stated: “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 individuals who completed the charity’s kidney health checker between October 2024 and March 2026, nearly a quarter (24%) reported they regularly used over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
Ms Loud further 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.”
The NHS says there is a ’10 day rule’ for taking ibuprofen. Its advice says: “To reduce the risk of side effects, take the smallest dose you need for the shortest time you need it. Do not take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor.
“For other types of ibuprofen, check the packet or leaflet to see how long you can use it for. See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away.”
Common side effects
Common side effects of ibuprofen tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include:
indigestion and stomach achesfeeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)headachesa rashdizzinessdiarrhoea or constipation
For more NHS information click here.