A 49-year-old Indian farmer developed severe kidney damage after five years of taking unprescribed painkillers, highlighting the risks of self-medication.
TIRUVANNAMALAI: A 49-year-old farmer from Tamil Nadu developed end-stage kidney disease after taking unprescribed painkillers for five years, highlighting the dangers of prolonged self-medication.
The case, reported by The Indian Express on October 9, 2026, highlights how painkiller kidney damage can develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms until the condition becomes serious.
The farmer, identified as Mr S, sought medical assistance after experiencing fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness and swollen ankles.
Medical examinations revealed severely impaired kidney function, requiring dialysis.
How did five years of painkiller use affect his kidneys?
The farmer had routinely taken unlabelled tablets locally called vali maathirai to relieve aches associated with physically demanding agricultural work.
He had used the medicines without professional medical guidance for approximately five years.
Doctors discovered that his blood creatinine level had reached 11.4 mg/dL, significantly above the commonly cited upper normal level of around 1.2 mg/dL.
Further investigation revealed that he had neither diabetes nor hypertension, two major causes of chronic kidney disease.
His prolonged consumption of unprescribed analgesics, combined with frequent dehydration while working outdoors, was identified as a major contributing factor.
The precise ingredients of the unlabelled tablets were not established in the report.
Which painkillers can damage the kidneys?
Medical experts warn that certain painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can harm the kidneys when taken frequently, at high doses or for extended periods.
Common examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
These medicines can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing acute injury or worsening existing kidney disease.
The risk increases when a person is dehydrated, elderly or already experiencing reduced kidney function.
However, occasional use according to medical guidance is generally safer, and not every painkiller carries the same kidney-related risks.
What are the warning signs of kidney damage?
Kidney disease can progress quietly, making early identification difficult.
Possible warning signs include persistent fatigue, swelling around the ankles, nausea, changes in urination and unexplained breathlessness.
Doctors may recommend blood creatinine tests, estimated glomerular filtration rate assessments and urine tests to check kidney function.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical evaluation rather than assuming they are caused by ordinary tiredness.
How can people protect their kidneys?
Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding prolonged self-medication and discussing recurring pain with a qualified doctor.
People working outdoors should also maintain appropriate hydration, particularly during hot weather.
Patients with existing kidney conditions should ask a healthcare professional before using anti-inflammatory medicines.
Importantly, painkillers prescribed for ongoing conditions should not be discontinued without medical advice.
Impact to expect
The case could increase awareness of unsafe self-medication, particularly among outdoor workers and people using unlabelled medicines. Greater access to medical advice and routine kidney screening may help identify problems before permanent damage occurs.
Understanding painkiller kidney damage is especially important for people managing persistent aches without medical supervision. Preventing painkiller kidney damage begins with knowing what medicines contain and when to seek professional advice.
