Three things to know
- Bring prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
- Avoid assuming that natural products are kidney-safe.
- Ask for a written illness plan rather than stopping medicines independently.
Pain medicines deserve attention
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include ibuprofen and naproxen. They may increase kidney risk in certain situations, particularly dehydration or existing kidney disease, and can affect blood pressure or fluid balance. Ask your clinician which pain strategy fits your health history.
Supplements and hidden ingredients
Herbal mixtures, bodybuilding products, potassium-containing salt substitutes and some antacids may matter in kidney care. Product quality and ingredient amounts can vary. Bring bottles or photographs of labels so your clinician can review what you actually take.
A useful medication review includes
Dose adjustments and monitoring
Some medicines require a different dose as kidney function changes. Others may be continued with laboratory monitoring because they provide important benefits. A temporary creatinine change and a dangerous kidney injury are not automatically the same thing; interpretation requires context.
Plan ahead for illness and procedures
Vomiting, diarrhea, poor intake or an upcoming procedure may change medication risks. Ask which medicines, if any, should be paused, when to seek advice and how to restart safely. Tell every clinician about your kidney history before new prescriptions or imaging, without refusing necessary testing on your own.
Questions to bring to your visit
- Does any dose depend on my kidney function?
- When are repeat blood tests due?
- What is my illness and restart plan?
Common questions
Should I stop all medicines that affect creatinine?
No. Some provide important kidney or heart benefits. Changes should be guided by your treating clinician.
Are kidney detox supplements helpful?
Do not assume benefit or safety. Ask your clinician before using products advertised to cleanse the kidneys.
Sources & further reading
- NIDDK: Keeping kidneys safe (opens in a new tab)
- National Kidney Foundation: High potassium (opens in a new tab)
Education supports, and does not replace, individual care. Dialysis treatments and transplant evaluations are delivered through the appropriate dialysis programs and transplant centers. External resources do not imply endorsement of AspireMed.