Ibuprofen for pain - level of risk to kidney transplant

[Rebel1975]

Greetings all, I am new to the forum and have a question about treating arthritis. I am 67 and had a kidney transplant back in 1999. I am in very good health except for experiencing moderate to severe arthritis pain, especially following exercise. Ibuprofen (200-400 mg dose) seems to be the only remedy that significantly relieves my pain/inflammation. How big a risk is it to my kidney if I take just one or two pills on the days I exercise? Thanks for any input!

[fredbullock]

Since ibuprofen is in the family of NSAIDs it is not recommended for kidney transplant recipients or donors since it can damage the kidney.

NSAIDs should be avoided by kidney transplant recipients although sometimes nephrologists recommend baby aspirin which is an NSAID.

An alternative to ibuprofen is acetaminophen which is the active ingredient in over the counter medications such as Tylenol.

[Dara3351 in reply to fredbullock]

The only thing I take is Tylenol and I try not to take it! As for arthritis I would try and exercise as much as I could so your joints won’t stiffen up. Ask your team what you can do for pain.

[alimesoda]

I am a kidney donor and I have avoided ibuprofen since my donation. The day after my surgery I had a very bad headache — likely from the anesthesia and when I asked for an ibuprofen my surgeon said absolutely not as it is “toxic” to your one kidney. That was a clear enough message for me!

I agree with the other responders, Keep exercising and if you need some pain relief try Tylenol, which my dr said is ok in moderation.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You need to talk to your transplant team regarding your ibuprophen use. I too had my transplant in 1999. I think you are playing "Russian rillette" with your kidney and your NSAID use. Maybe your doctors' can come up with something that will help you and not put your kidney in jeopardy. At 67 you don't want to be put back on the transplant list@#$

[kimmie55]

Check with your team. I stopped all NSAIDS except Tylenol when I was diagnosed with kidney disease. Have not taken them in 20 yrs. This class of drugs is extremely hard on your kidneys. Depending on where you live you might try CBD cream......really helps with no adverse effects on your kidneys.

I have thumb, rt. knee, ankle and lower back arthritis. Exercise is the best medicine! I'm 64, former chef and serious tennis player...beat up my body pretty good. Transplant meds don't help either.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I was going to tell you I am 69 and have arthritis in my knees and don't want replacement surgery Transplant in 1999. I make an appt with my local orthopedic clinic and I get steroid injections in my knees. It is OK for transplant people. They can also do the same if your arthritis is in your back. My husband gets the back injections

[Qdog in reply to WYOAnne]

Was your kidney from a living or a deceased donor?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Qdog]

My donor was a 16 year old deceased donor. He was involved in a car accident. He matched 4/6 markers/antigens. I was told that a deceased donor kidney could have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Here I am 20 years later, living well with a creatinine of 0.9.

How about you? Living or deceased donor?

I would also talk to your nephrologist regarding what meds are safe for you to take for pain when you exercise. I would also get a referral to be evaluated by an orthopedic dr.

I did that and now I just call when I need a knee injection. The steroid injections work for me and I need them maybe every 6 months. I was also told that when that stops working, there is something else they can use. For me at least, it really makes a difference.

[Dara3351]

Ibuprofen is toxic to your kidneys! Remember your kidneys filter everything through your body! Once your kidneys are damaged, it’s downhill! Not worth it!

[Qdog]

Thanks so much for replying. It's my son. He is in stage 5 of a kidney disease. He is 20 years old. We were told his best bet was to find a living donor. So, how do you ask? Anyway, I am being tested now. I hope I can be the one!

[Hidden]

I have arthritis from high doses of Solu-Medrol and prednisone from back in the day. I would not take ibuprofen or any non-steroidal medication because it will hurt the kidney. Sometimes the pain is just excruciating. I've been prescribed Tramadol for when the pain is totally out of control. That takes the edge off but nothing really helps. However, I have found recently that a hot cup of coffee can soothe the pain if I use relaxation techniques in tandem with the coffee.