Would NSAIDs further affect my kidney functions?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am a 68 year old male with an active lifestyle. I have low back pain and a kidney reading of 55, placing me in the beginning of stage 3 kidney disease. Can I take either aleve or ibupropin to ease the back pain without further kidney damage?

Dear Fred: It is recommended to avoid aleve as well as ibuprofen (both of which fall under the NSAIDs group of drugs), as they may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and affect kidney function or cause sudden kidney failure, even when taken in small amounts, specially in cases with already reduced kidney function. Acetaminofen may be an option for relief of your back pain, however you should consult your doctor before taking any medication to avoid complications.