Patients’ adherence to medicines is an important factor in therapy effectiveness. This is especially crucial for those suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems. In order to keep the disease under control, the patient must take the medicines exactly as instructed by the doctor or pharmacist.
Despite this fact, a number of patients choose not to take the medicines because they believe that they may cause harm to the kidneys, especially if taken over a long period of time. This statement has become a commonly held belief as it is frequently shared from one individual to the next. In fact, this perception causes some patients to take health supplements or traditional products as alternative treatment.
Non-compliance with the treatment is the cause of kidney failure
Based on reports, uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are among the leading causes of kidney failure. This is because prolonged uncontrolled disease conditions might increase the risk of complications, such as kidney failure.
Thoughts that medicines can harm their kidneys cause patients to be worried about continuing treatment, resulting in low adherence to treatment and eventually poor disease control. The truth is that medicines used to treat diabetes and hypertension has been tested on their quality, safety, and efficacy. When taken as instructed, the risk of these medicines causing any harmful effects on kidney function is minimal.
Consumption of unregistered health products can also result in kidney failure
Another factor that increases the risk of kidney failure is the use of supplements and traditional products as an adjunct or alternative to the medicines prescribed by their doctors. It is even more concerning if the product consumed has not been registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
This is because unregistered products cannot be guaranteed for their quality, safety, or efficacy in controlling chronic diseases. In fact, these products allegedly contain prohibited substances that might cause kidney harm, such as certain controlled medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and heavy metals like mercury and lead.
Avoid taking medicines that exceed the recommended dosage and frequency.
There are some medicines with a higher risk of causing adverse effects on kidney function. With the correct dosing and frequency, this unintended consequence can be avoided. When taking medicines, patients should follow the instructions given by a doctor or pharmacist.
Advice for patients and the general public
Patients with diabetes and hypertension, in particular, should take their medicines as prescribed. The medicines have been assessed to ensure that they are of high quality, safe, and effective in controlling chronic disease. Adherence to treatment can help prevent kidney impairment.
In addition, patients are advised to seek advice on the dosage and frequency of medicines from a doctor or pharmacist. Furthermore, the patient should not double the dose of their medicines themselves, as this will increase the risk of overdose.
Patients should also not discontinue medicines and use alternative products without first consulting with a healthcare professional. Be wary of advertisements or sellers of alternative products with unproven claims, such as being effective in curing chronic illnesses and free of adverse effects.
Besides that, patients and the general public are advised not to trust any unverified information about medicines. If there is any issue with medicines, patients ought to consult a more credible person, such as a doctor or pharmacist. Inaccurate information should not be shared with others, as it may lead to misunderstandings in the community.
In conclusion, it is vital for patients and the general public to change their perceptions of the effect of medicines on the kidneys. This is important to ensure patients who need to take medicines keep adhering to their treatment. The risk of kidney failure is minimal when medicines are taken as prescribed.
Know your medicines, for any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; except on public holidays.
This article is written by Irene Lee Chin Ling a pharmacist at Klinik Kesihatan Sematan, Pejabat Kesihatan Bahagian Kuching for Bahagian Amalan dan Perkembangan Farmasi (BAPF), KKM x The Malaysian Medical Gazette Series. It is hoped that this collaboration will help prpogate information regarding medication to the general public.
References
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- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305488
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medicine-hurt-kidneys
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- https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/drugs/administration-and-kinetics-of-drugs/drug-elimination
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-kidney-disease.html#:~:text=Each%20kidney%20is%20made%20up,which%20can%20damage%20kidneys%20too.
- http://pendidikanpesakit.myhealth.gov.my/en/5159/
- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/Diabetes-and-Kidney-Disease-Stages1-4
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- https://www.kidney.org/content/8-key-things-know-taking-supplements-0
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- http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/kidney-renal/