Rising Misuse of Painkillers in India Poses Serious Kidney Risks

In an alarming trend, the misuse of over-the-counter painkillers and prescription opioids is rising in India, particularly among older adults, leading to significant health concerns including kidney damage. Dr. Suresh Sankar, Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Affairs at NephroPlus, highlighted these issues in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian on June 22, 2025. He warned that chronic self-medication, often undertaken without medical consultation, is resulting in a surge of kidney complications that frequently go unnoticed until it is too late.

Access to pain medications has become increasingly straightforward due to widespread availability at pharmacies and online. Dr. Sankar stated, "Many individuals self-medicate for chronic pain, headaches, or joint issues without consulting a doctor, often unaware of how long these drugs can be used safely. The concern is especially significant in the elderly population who may unknowingly continue these medications for extended periods."

Currently, there is limited structured data regarding the extent of painkiller misuse in India, yet anecdotal evidence suggests a notable increase in cases observed in outpatient and hospital settings. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the global rise in opioid prescriptions has contributed significantly to the current crisis of misuse and dependency (WHO, 2023).

The consequences of chronic painkiller use extend beyond immediate discomfort relief; they can severely impact kidney function. Dr. Sankar explained, "Chronic use of painkillers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect blood supply to the kidneys and lead to irreversible damage over time. Some damage can be reversed if detected early, but long-term use often leads to permanent kidney issues, especially in patients with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension."

The implications of this misuse are profound, with kidney diseases often going undiagnosed until advanced stages due to the masking of underlying symptoms. Dr. Sankar noted, "Long-term painkiller use can obscure critical signs of more serious conditions, delaying necessary medical interventions."

The patient demographic most affected includes individuals aged over 50, who are often managing concurrent health issues. According to a study published in the Journal of Nephrology Research in April 2024, nearly 60% of surveyed elderly patients reported self-medicating with painkillers without consulting healthcare professionals (Kumar et al., 2024).

In light of this escalating health crisis, experts are calling for stronger regulations regarding the sale of pain medications and increased public awareness about their risks. Dr. Sankar emphasized the need for healthcare providers to monitor patients using pain medications for extended periods and to encourage them to seek medical advice on managing their pain effectively.

As the trend of painkiller misuse continues to evolve, stakeholders in healthcare and policy must collaborate to mitigate the risks associated with chronic self-medication. Without significant intervention, the rising tide of kidney-related health issues linked to painkiller misuse could overwhelm India's healthcare system, necessitating urgent and comprehensive strategies to address this emerging public health crisis.