“Kham” Urges Caution with Medications to Prevent Kidney Failure Risk

Bangkok: "Kham" has issued a warning to the public to exercise caution with medication usage due to the risk of kidney failure, as 1.12 million Thais were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease last year. The warning highlights the dangers associated with careless drug use and provides a list of medications harmful to the kidneys. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, emphasized the government's concern for public health and the increasing incidence of kidney disease in Thailand. He noted that one of the primary causes is the irrational use of drugs. Data from the Ministry of Public Health's medical and health information system for fiscal year 2024 indicates that chronic kidney disease affects 1.12 million people annually in Thailand, with an economic impact exceeding 1.6 trillion baht per year. Mr. Karom advised the public on ways to prevent kidney disease by using medications sensibly. He identified non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as asp irin and ibuprofen, as well as certain antimicrobial drugs like acyclovir and ciprofloxacin, as potential risks to kidney health. He also warned against illegal drug sets containing harmful substances like steroids and unregistered products with dangerous additives. Furthermore, Mr. Karom pointed out the risks of products falsely marketed as beneficial for kidney health, which are illegal to advertise. Although not directly toxic, these products can lead to neglect in proper kidney care, exacerbating the disease. He recommended regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and advised watching for symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, back pain, reduced urination, or foamy urine. Finally, Mr. Karom emphasized the importance of early kidney disease screening, particularly for at-risk groups like diabetics, hypertensive patients, and the elderly. He stated that chronic kidney disease often progresses unnoticed due to a lack of early symptoms, making early detection crucial in mitigating deterioration and compl ications.