Medication Information Leaflet - Patients at risk of Kidney/Renal impairment/ failure
Being aware of kidney function is important in order to maintain health. Many people live with mild and moderately low kidney function, which is often referred to by health professionals as early stage chronic kidney disease or stage 3 CKD.
People with mild and moderately low kidney function are at greater risk of developing kidney damage during periods of acute illness such as infections caused by flu or gastroenteritis. This is known as acute kidney injury or AKI. AKI is common and affects over 20% of people who have an unplanned hospital admission. It is more common in the elderly and in people with multiple long term conditions. AKI is harmful and is associated with an increased risk of end stage renal failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation as well as a greater risk of death both in the short and long term. AKI is costly and results in more frequent, longer and more intensive admissions to hospital. AKI is also preventable. Recommendations to achieve this include keeping hydrated during episodes of acute illness, such as flu.
It is also recommended that people taking certain drugs called ACE Inhibitors, diuretics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) should temporarily stop these medicines during episodes of acute illness.
When you are unwell with any of the following:
1. Vomiting or diarrhoea (unless only minor)
2. Fevers, sweats shaking
Then STOP taking the medicines listed below. You can restart when you are well (after 24-48 hours of eating and drinking normally).
If you are in any doubt, please contact your local pharmacist or the surgery.
ACE Inhibitors: Medicine names ending in 'pril' eg lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril
ARBs: Medicine names ending in 'sartan' eg losartan, candesartan, valsartan
NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory pain killers eg ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
Diuretics: Sometimes called 'water pills' eg furosemide, spironolactone, indapamide, bendroflumethiazide
Metformin: A medicine for diabetes