While the research on long-term NSAID use is limited, the Pharmacology Research & Perspectives scientific review highlights a study in which taking NSAIDs every day for over a year was found to be linked with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Also referred to as chronic kidney failure, CKD occurs when kidney function breaks down over time. As a result, waste can accumulate in the body if it’s not being properly filtered and excreted from the body.
Older adults, as well as people with hypertension, obesity, or diabetes, may be more susceptible to developing chronic kidney disease, according to Mayo Clinic experts. Progressive signs of kidney damage may include nausea, vomiting, foot or ankle swelling, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and more. For these reasons, it’s important to inform your doctor if you are diagnosed with kidney disease or are taking a diuretic for treatment prior to using ibuprofen (per Advil).