Taking pain relievers and antibiotics for extended periods without consulting a doctor can lead to kidney damage. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a warning regarding this issue.
According to the CDSCO circular, medications such as painkillers and antibiotics are prescription drugs, and taking them without a specialist's prescription can have serious health consequences.
Currently, people often take antibiotics for various ailments, including headaches, back pain, joint pain, or general body aches. Although taking medication seems simple with such common symptoms, regular and prolonged use increases the risk of developing kidney diseases. Hospitals regularly receive cases where patients' kidneys fail solely due to long-term painkiller use.
Painkillers are used to reduce pain and inflammation, but their frequent or prolonged use without medical supervision can increase the likelihood of kidney problems in some individuals. The risk is particularly high for those who already suffer from kidney diseases.
Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari from the nephrology department of Sar Gangaaram Hospital in Delhi noted that he observes a significant rise in such cases in his outpatient practice. Young people's kidneys are failing, and one of the main reasons is the long-term use of painkillers. The use of these drugs has become very common for headaches and joint pain, leading to chronic kidney diseases. In some cases, patients have to undergo dialysis.
Dr. Vaibhav advises that if pain occurs episodically, it can be managed by taking medication for one or two days a month. However, if the pain persists constantly, one must always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
The risks are not only associated with painkillers but also with antibiotics, which can also be harmful when taken without a prescription. Antibiotics are not required for every cold, flu, or viral infection. CDSCO cautions the public against self-medicating with antibiotics. A specialist determines whether an antibiotic is necessary for any infection, which specific drug should be used, and for how long, based on the condition of the illness and the patient's characteristics.