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Cannot Take NSAIDS Due To Stage 3 Renal Disease And Have Arthritic Pain In Hip And Low Back. Is It Safe To Take Aspirin?
Question: I cannot take any NSAIDS due to stage 3 renal disease. I also have arthritic pain in my hip and low back. I tried willow bark, which seems to work well, but am concerned about safety to kidneys, knowing that aspirin is derived from willow bark. Is this unsafe for me to take?
Brief Answer:
You are right
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query. Indeed, you are right, I believe it would not be safe for you to take willow bark extract since it may contain unpredictable amounts of salicylic acid, the main component of aspirin. In History of Medicine, we are taught how patients were treated for "fevers" with willow bark extracts.
For patients in your situation, I usually recommend topical NSAIDS (like Voltaren gel) which are only going to act locally without significant systemic absorbtion, or a gentle, non NSAID pain reliever such as acetaminophen or if severe pain, tramadol.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
You are right
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query. Indeed, you are right, I believe it would not be safe for you to take willow bark extract since it may contain unpredictable amounts of salicylic acid, the main component of aspirin. In History of Medicine, we are taught how patients were treated for "fevers" with willow bark extracts.
For patients in your situation, I usually recommend topical NSAIDS (like Voltaren gel) which are only going to act locally without significant systemic absorbtion, or a gentle, non NSAID pain reliever such as acetaminophen or if severe pain, tramadol.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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