We depend on our kidneys to remove extra fluid and waste from our blood. But if you have CKD, your kidneys may not work as well as they should. Over time, CKD can worsen and develop into kidney failure. People who have kidney failure depend on dialysis to help filter their blood.

Most medications are removed from your body through the kidneys. So, if you have CKD, it’s essential to know which medications are safe for you to take. It’s common to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements. But it’s also important to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to help you determine which OTCs and supplements are best for you.

Below are some medication tips for people with CKD.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These medications help decrease pain and swelling (inflammation) and reduce fever. NSAIDs are generally safe and effective when used short-term — no more than ten days for pain or three days for fever. You must also take the recommended dose as listed on the manufacturer’s label. Taking NSAIDs at higher doses and for more extended periods can increase your risk of kidney damage.

Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you have pain or swelling that doesn’t disappear after a few days. Together, you can determine safer options to help manage your condition and protect your kidneys.

Examples of OTC NSAIDs include Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve).

Antacids

People take antacids to help treat heartburn, problems with digestion (indigestion), and upset stomach. These medications are also found in your local pharmacy and should be taken for no more than 1 to 2 weeks. Long-term use of antacids in people with chronic kidney disease can cause elevated levels of aluminum and magnesium in your body. This is due to the decreased ability of your kidneys to filter your blood.

Examples of Antacids include aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Maalox, Mylanta)

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements may be taken for various conditions but aren’t FDA-regulated like most medications. So, if you have kidney problems, talk with your healthcare provider to help you determine which supplements are most appropriate for you. According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with chronic kidney disease should avoid certain supplements. These include (but are not limited to):

• Cat’s Claw
• Creatine
• Goldenrod
•  Java Tea Leaf
•  Licorice Root
• Yohimbe

The post Chronic Kidney Disease & OTC Medicine (What You Need to Know) appeared first on Black Health Matters.

What is Heart Failure

Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF), is a health condition where our hearts don’t work as well as they should. Our hearts haven’t stopped beating, but they must work harder to pump blood through our bodies.

It’s common to take medications to treat your heart failure. But there are some meds you should avoid as they make your condition worse by:

• Damaging the heart muscle
• Increasing your blood pressure
• Interacting with your current CHF meds

If you’re living with heart failure or were recently diagnosed, you’ll want to talk with your provider before starting (or continuing) certain medications. Let’s review four types of medications that should be avoided in heart failure.

Medications Used to Treat High Blood Pressure

Diltiazem and verapamil are two medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). You might take one of these calcium channel blockers (CCB) to lower your blood pressure. They help relax your blood vessels, which reduces your blood pressure and allows for easier flow of blood.

Studies show that taking these medications can make your heart muscle weak, which makes it harder to pump blood. If you take one of these meds, you’ll want to talk with your provider to ensure it’s still the best option.

Medications Used to Treat Diabetes

You can take pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) for your Type 2 diabetes. These medications are also known as Thiazolidinediones or TZDs. They lower your blood sugar by helping your body respond better to insulin.

It’s common to gain weight or retain fluid (edema) when taking TZDs. Your condition worsens as the heart tries to remove this excess fluid. If you have heart failure, this medication may not be your best option. Be sure to discuss safer alternatives with your provider.

Medications Used to Treat Inflammatory Conditions

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are medications used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and Crohn’s disease (CD). Examples of TNF inhibitors include adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and golimumab (Simponi). People take these meds to help relieve the symptoms caused by inflammatory conditions.

These medications can cause direct damage to your heart muscle, and are NOT recommended if you have NYHA class III or IV heart failure.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)

People usually reach for NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) when they have pain or inflammation. These medications are available OTC or with a prescription. But if you have heart failure, it may not be safe for you. NSAIDs can raise your blood pressure and interact with other meds you currently take to treat your heart failure.

Your provider may suggest taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) as an alternative. NSAIDs are not recommended for use in people with heart failure.

Partner With Your Providers

If you have heart failure, talk with your healthcare providers about all your medications, including those you get from the local pharmacy. They can help you identify any potential issues and make sure your meds are safe for you to take. Your pharmacist can help you create a complete medication list and check for interactions. Always share this med list with your healthcare providers at every visit.

 Dr. Kristina D. Carter is a clinical pharmacist and freelance health writer with over 20 years of experience in several practice settings, including managed care, community pharmacy, ambulatory care, senior care, and pharmacy operations.

The post Diagnosed With Heart Failure? : Here Are the Medications to Avoid appeared first on Black Health Matters.