I go to pain management and they keep trying to give me antiinflamitories and I have been told by my nephrologist that they will harm the kidney function. Why am I able to take pain medication like vicodin but not antiinflamitories?
Q: Do antiinflamitories really cause kidney damage?
Answers (3)
9/11/08 8:19pm
That's right anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID's) can cause kidney damage. Because you have reason to see a nephrologist (kidney specialist), you must have some type of kidney condition that would put you at even greater risk of acute renal failure due to the use of NSAID's. Listen to your nephrologist.
Vicodin has both hydrocodone and Tylenol. Doctors are mostly worried about liver toxicity when prescribing this drug. BUT, anyone with renal disease (renal insufficiency) might need a lower dose of Vicodin because the kidneys help to clear Vicodin out of your body. The dose is adjusted according to your Creatinine Clearance. So, this would be a good topic to discuss with your nephrologist.
Please read more information about NSAID Myths at http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/23153/37942/inflammatory
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
9/11/08 8:04pm
Read the excellent article on this site about NSAIDS and myths about them. But yes, in answer to your question they can harm your kidneys. I lost a friend a few years ago due to kidney problems, he'd had both removed and had other severe problems, and I know that he could not take any antiinflamitories.
To your Health!
9/13/08 8:45pm
i'm not sure.
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