That headline—“Taking this could be affecting your kidneys, consult your doctor!”—is impossible to evaluate without knowing what “this” refers to. It’s a common clickbait format that uses fear and vagueness to get attention.
That said, some medications and supplements can affect kidney function, especially in people who already have kidney disease, dehydration, or other risk factors.
Common examples that can affect the kidneys
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen
- Certain antibiotics
- Some blood pressure medications (which may require monitoring but are often kidney-protective in the long term)
- Some diuretics (“water pills”)
- Certain herbal supplements and high-dose vitamin products
- Contrast dye used in some imaging procedures
Possible signs of kidney problems
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or around the eyes
- Changes in urination
- Unusual fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
However, many kidney problems cause no symptoms at first, which is why blood and urine tests are often used to monitor kidney function.
What to do
- Don’t stop a prescribed medication just because of a headline.
- If you’re concerned, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ask whether your medication requires periodic kidney function tests.
