The use of NSAIDS, including cyclo-oxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitors, for the pharmacological treatment of musculoskeletal pain can elevate blood pressure, make antihypertensive drugs less effective, cause fluid retention and worsen kidney function in these individuals. Other medication prescribed by a healthcare professional may be safer than and as effective as NSAIDs.
Sources:
Gooch K, et al. NSAID use and progression of chronic kidney disease. Am J Med. 2007 Mar;120(3):280.e1-7. PMID: 17349452.
National Kidney Foundation. K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease: evaluation, classification, and stratification. Am J Kidney Dis. 2002 Feb;39(2 Suppl 1):S1-266. PMID: 11904577.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (sponsored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland). Management of chronic heart failure: A national clinical guideline. [Internet]. Edinburgh (UK): Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN); 2007 Feb [cited 2014 Sep 23].
US Department of Health and Human Services. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure [Internet]. 2004 Aug [cited 2014 Sep 23].
Related Resources:
Patient Pamphlet: Pain Medicines: What to do if you have heart problems or kidney disease