Ease off meds to prevent kidney disease

Q: I believe I have damaged my kidneys with the excessive use of Excedrin over the last 30 years. My blood urea nitrogen level was flagged on my blood test with a level of 21. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome several years ago, and I frequently have to urinate. I didn't realize the use of Excedrin was so bad until recently. I have completely stopped using it but now wonder if the damage is reversible. Is there anything I can do to make my kidneys healthier?

A: A normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is between 8 and 20. Your level of 21, while technically abnormal, is not abnormal enough to be diagnostic of kidney damage. This does not mean you do not have some degree of damage.

Overuse of any medication can lead to kidney damage because they are all processed within the kidneys before being excreted in the urine. That is why most physicians urge patients to use medication only if needed, especially over-the-counter meds.

If you are still concerned, I recommend you make an appointment to speak with your primary-care physician, who can explain the results. He or she may choose to order other tests, such as a kidney ultrasound, to determine whether there is any damage and, if so, the severity.