Q: My question concerns arthritis and kidney health. I have osteoarthritis (OA), but I cannot take many medications because I have kidney problems. Is there any treatment I could try that would not affect my kidneys?
A: For patients with arthritis, kidney problems can indeed complicate treatment plans. If you have diminished kidney function, you may need to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), but there are many other options for arthritis and kidney patients. The first option is acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is an analgesic, not an NSAID.
Injections of hyaluronic acid compounds, which are designed to supplement a substance that gives joint fluid its viscosity, for example, may provide relief in affected joints (usually knees) without involving the kidneys. These products include Hyalgan, Orthovisc, Supartz and Synvisc.
There are also topical products for arthritis that affects only one or two joints. The FDA recently approved a gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel). Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.
The most effective of the over-the-counter products is probably capsaicin cream (ArthriCare, Capzasin and Zostrix). Derived from red chili peppers, capsaicin has been found to reduce a chemical in the body that transmits pain signals.
Other nonprescription topicals include:
• Counterirritants, which include products such as menthol (in Absorbine Jr.) and camphor (JointFlex cream), and provide a mild cooling sensation that distracts from underlying pain.
• Salicylates, which are related to aspirin and relieve pain directly, include products such as Aspercreme and Myoflex.
• Combination products may contain ingredients such as methyl salicylate and menthol (mentholatum cream, BenGay), or capsaicin, salicylates and a counterirritant (Heet liniment).
Ask your pharmacist for help in choosing the right product for you.
Of course, there are several nondrug treatments, too, that would be completely safe for your kidneys. These include using a brace or cane, taping a joint, going to physical therapy and trying hot/cold therapy or acupuncture.
Don Miller, PharmD, Pharmacist
Thank you,
Thank You,
Anita Leeming
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