Side effects may include nausea, heartburn, headache, and kidney failure. Well, those symptoms went from 0 to 100 fast. You need this prescription medication, but you’re not sure if you need the kidney failure that may come with it.
Chances are, the drug you’ve been prescribed isn’t the only one that can cause this symptom. Even over-the-counter ones can cause it. Those supplements you’re taking to get some extra nutrients in your diet can cause it if the instructions aren’t followed.
To help you stay healthy and safe here are a few medications that cause kidney damage that you should ask your doctor about.
1. Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications are good to take to get rid of a headache so you can get through your day. They can be the answer for a sore back or bum shoulder. This being said, they shouldn’t be taken every single day.
Aspirin and Ibuprofen are only meant to be taken short term. Not long term unless under special instructions from a doctor. They can and will damage your kidneys if you take them every day like clockwork.
2. Anti-Microbial Medication
Anti-microbial and anti-viral medicines such as Truvada are prescribed to patients for good reasons. They are cleared by your kidneys, however, and can pose a danger to them.
Before you take anti-microbial medicines, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out how functional your kidneys are and prescribe an alternative if your kidneys aren’t strong enough to handle these types of medicines.
If you are prescribed Truvada and experience kidney problems, you should bring a Truvada kidney function case up with your lawyer as soon as you can.
3. Prescription Laxatives
Mostly, you can take an over-the-counter laxative and be perfectly fine. It’s rare that people have much of a reaction to those. The prescription laxatives that doctors prescribe for you to take before a colonoscopy are different though.
They are made of stronger stuff because they are designed to completely clean your bowels before the procedure. They can have a negative effect on your kidneys.
4. Contrast Dye
If you’re having an MRI or CT-Scan done, then chances are the doctor will use contrast dye for visualization. Contrast dye, while helpful for these tests can hurt you if you have kidney disease.
Not all these tests use contrast dye. So, if you’re aware that you have a problem with your kidneys, ask your doctor about an alternative.
5. Cholesterol Medication
If you already have kidney disease, then your cholesterol medication could make things worse. That doesn’t mean that you have to stop taking your medication.
What it means is that you should talk to your doctor about a dosing option that will be safe for your kidneys.
6. Diabetes Medicines
Like anti-microbial medications, insulin is cleared by your kidneys. That’s why it’s so important that you keep your blood sugar levels under control. You can do this with exercise, diet, and by using your medications correctly.
If you don’t, you may struggle with kidney disease. If you have a family history of kidney disease or you already have it, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a dose of your diabetes medications that will work for you.
7. Upset Stomach Medications and Antacids
Antacids and medicine for stomach pains are fine to use unless you have kidney disease. They can disrupt your electrolytes and make you sick if this is the case.
You must talk to your doctor before you take them to see if it’s safe. If not, then you’re better off taking your chances with the upset stomach.
8. Diuretics
If you have high blood pressure, your physician may prescribe diuretics to you. Better known as water pills, they help your body dispose of any excess fluid that can cause swelling as well as high blood pressure.
The problem is that it’s possible for these pills to also dehydrate you which isn’t good for your kidneys at all.
9. Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are medications that are used to treat heartburn. They do that job well, but they can cause kidney problems and even kidney failure if you take them too often.
If you’re worried about this happening to you because of how often you take antacids, talk to your doctor. They may suggest an alternative.
10. Supplements
Supplements can help you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. If the ones you take contain creatine or wormwood oil, they may hurt your kidneys though.
If you’re concerned that the supplements you’re taking are hurting you more than helping you, sit down with your physician and give them a list of every supplement you take. They’ll be able to let you know for sure if change up what you’re taking and even give you suggestions.
11. Zoledronic Acid
Zoledronic acid can treat osteoporosis. It can also damage your kidneys and even cause kidney failure.
Zometa contains Zoledronic acid that can treat some forms of bone cancer. It can also hurt your kidneys.
Are You a Victim of Medications that Cause Kidney Damage?
There are many medications that cause kidney damage. If you’re worried that yours may be harming you, talk to your doctor.
They’ll be able to let you know for sure and then give you alternatives that will be less strenuous on your kidneys. Take care of your health and stay safe with your prescriptions.
Are you worried that your weight loss supplements may do you more harm than good? We can let you know. Keep tabs on our supplement reviews for daily updates.