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Warning-sign checks

Analgesic nephropathy: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe confusion, inability to pass urine, or rapidly worsening weakness.

    A suspected pain-medicine overdose also requires immediate help.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222; call emergency services if the person is unconscious, having a seizure, or having difficulty breathing.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly for visible blood in the urine, new flank pain, fever with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, worsening swelling, or a noticeable decrease in urine output.

    These problems may need same-day assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up depends on the degree of kidney damage and whether kidney function is stable.

    It may include blood pressure checks, creatinine and eGFR testing, urine albumin measurement, and periodic review of every medicine and supplement being used.

The article also says

Keep an updated medicine list and bring it to appointments.

Include nonprescription pain relievers, cold remedies, sleep products, vitamins, and supplements.

Ask before restarting a medicine that was stopped because of possible kidney injury.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Analgesic nephropathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.