A Man Developed Acute Kidney Failure After Just 3 Days of Taking a Common Household Medication, Doctors Warn

Doctors are sounding the alarm after a 47-year-old man was rushed to the emergency department in critical condition — all caused by a medication nearly every household keeps in their medicine cabinet.

According to hospital reports, the patient had been taking over-the-counter pain relief medication for three consecutive days to manage persistent headaches brought on by stress and long working hours. What began as mild fatigue soon progressed into alarming symptoms: nausea, swelling in the legs, reduced urine output, and extreme exhaustion.

By the time he arrived at the hospital, blood tests revealed dangerously high creatinine levels, indicating acute kidney failure.

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A Common Drug, a Serious Risk

Doctors confirmed that the cause was non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — a group of medications frequently used to treat headaches, fever, muscle aches, and common pain symptoms. Many people consider them harmless because they can be purchased without a prescription.

However, when used improperly — especially on an empty stomach or in large doses — NSAIDs can:

• Reduce blood flow to the kidneys

• Damage kidney tissue

• Trigger acute kidney injury (AKI), which can develop rapidly

In severe cases, AKI can lead to the need for dialysis or even become life-threatening.

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Why the Kidneys Are Vulnerable

The kidneys rely on steady blood circulation to filter toxins. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins — compounds that help maintain blood flow to the kidneys. When prostaglandins drop, kidney filtration decreases dramatically, especially in:

• People who are dehydrated

• Individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes

• The elderly

• Those who take NSAIDs frequently or in high doses

The 47-year-old patient had been under heavy stress, sleeping poorly, and drinking little water — all of which worsened the risk.

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Doctors’ Warning: “Household Medicines Are Not Always Safe”

The medical team stresses that NSAIDs should never be taken continuously for multiple days without medical supervision. Even young, otherwise healthy individuals may experience kidney damage if they:

• Take NSAIDs on an empty stomach

• Combine multiple types of pain medications

• Use them while dehydrated

• Drink alcohol while using the medication

Fortunately, after early intervention, intravenous fluids, and kidney-protective treatment, the patient’s condition stabilized. He is expected to recover but must undergo several weeks of monitoring.

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Signs of NSAID-Induced Kidney Injury

Doctors urge the public to seek medical care immediately if they experience these symptoms after taking painkillers:

• Decreased urine output

• Swelling of the legs or face

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Sudden fatigue, dizziness

• Back or flank pain

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to permanent kidney damage.

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How to Use Painkillers Safely

Healthcare experts recommend:

• Do not use NSAIDs for more than 2–3 days without consulting a doctor

• Avoid taking them on an empty stomach

• Drink enough water

• Do not combine multiple pain medications

• Avoid alcohol while using NSAIDs

• Individuals with kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes should be extremely cautious

Painkillers offer relief, but misuse can be dangerous — even life-threatening.