Scientists are warning users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) they could be at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). In patients with diabetes mellitus, if they are taking other medications such as diuretic or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi), they could be facing hyperkalemia.

3896 hospitalized patients with new drug prescriptions were looked at for this study. IN 30 days, 525 patients or 13.5% developed AKI. In patients taking diuretic or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitor (RAASi) and elevated potassium, those numbers were increased from 36% to 91%. Patients with a 14 day supply of NSAIDs were looking at a 65% greater risk of AKI.

Kidney failure is the unfortunate culmination of kidney disease, which can either be chronic or brought on by an acute kidney injury. AKI’s can develop due to numerous factors such as other preexisting diseases/conditions, overuse of some medicines (like NSAIDs), severe dehydration or blood loss. Many conditions, diseases, and medicines can create situations that lead to acute and chronic kidney disease. Although, acute kidney injury is more commonly reversible than chronic kidney failure, it’s still better to prevent it from happening in the first place, so always be mindful of this when using NSAIDs and be sure to discuss with your physician before taking any medicines if AKIs are a concern for you.

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