# NSAIDs: Check Before You Take Them

Kidney safety starts with checking the whole medicine list, especially during illness.

![Infographic: NSAIDs: Check Before You Take Them](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/patient-nsaids-and-your-kidneys.png?v=20261003c)

## Read “active ingredients” first

Look for ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac on pain, cold, and arthritis products. Brand names can hide an NSAID. Take a photo of the label and ask the pharmacist before adding it to your usual medicines.

## How kidneys are affected

NSAIDs can reduce kidney blood flow, cause fluid retention, raise blood pressure, or trigger kidney inflammation. Risk depends on the person, dose, duration, and current illness.

## When risk rises

Kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, and some medicine combinations increase risk. ACE inhibitors or ARBs plus diuretics deserve particular attention when adding an NSAID.

## Ask for a pain plan that fits you

Tell the clinician where the pain is, its cause if known, and your kidney/heart/liver conditions. Ask about physical measures, topical options, or alternatives such as acetaminophen when appropriate. Confirm dose limits and combination ingredients with the pharmacist.

## Bring every product

Show your pharmacist or clinician prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. A topical product may have lower exposure, but it still needs appropriate use.

## Less urine or swelling: call

Contact your team for much less urine, new swelling, vomiting, or dizziness after starting a pain medicine. Bring its name, dose, and dates. Severe breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting: call 911.

## Source lessons

- [nsaids and your kidneys](https://urinenephrology.org/patient-handouts/nsaids-and-your-kidneys.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.