Risks of Anti-Inflammatory Drug Usage
October 13, 2017 | Abigail Mckay

Risks of Anti-Inflammatory Drug Usage

Risks of Anti-Inflammatory Drug usage (NSAIDs commonly known ​as pain killers) in long term and even short term are very high regarding their association with kidney injury, increase in blood pressure, Heart failure exacerbation (in patients with history of Heart disease) and peptic ulcer disease. In USA & Pakistan they are used heavily and self-prescribed for pain and commonly known as magic drug (Dard ki dawa) for every pain. It is hitting home for many of us as our beloved ones may end up in the Emergency room with a hypertensive crisis (blood pressure above 180 systolic / 110 diastolic) at a range where it starts affecting our vital organs. The reason behind this, most of the time is due to usage of NSAIDs such as (Meloxicam, Piroxicam, Nimesulide) for toothache, Backache, joint pain etc. prescribed by the pharmacists/dentist and most of the time self-prescribed. As in Pakistan they are sold over the counter without having any prescription and without any monitoring.

As a Nephrologist​ (Kidney Disease Specialist), we end up seeing way too often people on those medications with no monitoring that end up in renal failure or congestive heart failure exacerbation. I would like to raise this awareness to the public with the goal of having them avoid this type of drug if they have the above diagnosis and to have their blood pressures and kidney function checked if they are using it. 

 

 

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.