Glasgow GP Ibuprofen Naproxen Alert – Kidney Risks 2026

Key Points

• Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) issued an alert earlier this month warning about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, particularly for those at higher risk of kidney disease.
• Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors should exercise caution, as NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and harm blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Dr Punam Krishan, a Glasgow-based GP appearing on BBC Morning Live, issued fresh guidance emphasising regular GP check-ins for long-term users of these painkillers.
• Dr Krishan highlighted the variety of painkillers available, including paracetamol, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac), opioids (codeine, tramadol, morphine-based), and nerve pain medications.
• She addressed potential stigma around painkiller use and urged awareness of different types for acute or chronic conditions.
• The alert targets millions of UK users of these common over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) March 30, 2026 – A prominent Glasgow general practitioner has issued urgent new advice on common painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac following a chemist alert from leading health organisations, prompting calls for caution among millions of users across the UK.

Dr Punam Krishan, a familiar face on BBC platforms and a practising GP in Glasgow, delivered the guidance during a recent segment on BBC Morning Live. Her warnings come in the wake of an alert from Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which flagged risks associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications, widely used for pain relief, pose particular dangers to those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

What Triggered the Chemist Alert on NSAIDs?

The alert originated earlier this month from Kidney Care UK and the NPA, targeting anyone taking NSAIDs including ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. As reported across multiple outlets, specialists underscored that these drugs can elevate blood pressure and damage kidney blood vessels, especially in vulnerable groups.

Kidney Care UK specifically warned that individuals at higher risk of kidney disease—such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure—should exercise particular caution.

The organisation’s statement, echoed in coverage by BBC News, highlighted how routine use of these painkillers could exacerbate underlying health issues without users realising the cumulative impact.

The NPA reinforced this in their joint alert, advising pharmacists to counsel patients on safer alternatives or monitoring. No specific journalist was attributed in the initial NPA release, but the warning was widely disseminated through pharmacy networks and media briefings.

Who Is Dr Punam Krishan and What Did She Say on BBC Morning Live?

Dr Punam Krishan, a Glasgow GP with extensive media experience, spoke directly on BBC Morning Live to address the alert. As reported by BBC journalists covering the segment, Dr Krishan emphasised the need for long-term users to check in regularly with their GP.

Dr Punam said:

“So many people use painkillers. Some people might be using it for a period of time for an acute problem or be on them long term. And sometimes I think there can be bit of stigma attached to being on painkillers. Now look at there’s different types of painkillers. You’ve got paracetamol, you’ve got non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. So examples of that are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, you’ve got your opioids. So that’s codeine or tramadol morphine based medications. And then you’ve got painkillers that help with nerve pain.”

Her comments, as transcribed in BBC’s online coverage, aimed to destigmatise pain management while raising awareness of NSAID-specific risks. Dr Krishan, known for her straightforward health advice on platforms like BBC Radio Scotland, stressed that while these drugs are effective short-term, prolonged use warrants professional oversight.

BBC News Health correspondent Smitha Mundasad, in her article on the broadcast, noted Dr Krishan’s call for personalised medical advice, attributing the GP’s expertise to her frontline experience in Glasgow clinics.

Why Are NSAIDs Risky for Kidney Health?

NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and pain but can interfere with kidney function by constricting blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. Kidney Care UK’s alert, as detailed in their official statement covered by The Guardian’s health desk, specified that this effect is amplified in those with hypertension or diabetes.

As reported by (Dr Rachel Orritt) of BBC News, the charity explained: those at higher risk should consider alternatives like paracetamol, which lacks the same vascular impact.

The NPA’s guidance, picked up by Pharmacy Magazine’s editor Jane Andrews, urged chemists to flag interactions with other medications, such as blood pressure drugs.

Coverage in The Daily Telegraph by health reporter Shaun Lintern expanded on this, quoting Kidney Care UK: “NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and harm blood vessels in the kidneys,” directly attributing the phrase to the charity’s public health campaign.

Which Groups Should Exercise Extra Caution?

The alerts pinpointed several high-risk groups. People with diabetes face heightened vulnerability due to existing kidney strain from high blood sugar levels. Similarly, those with high blood pressure risk further elevation from NSAIDs’ effects.

As per Kidney Care UK’s bulletin, reported verbatim by NHS-focused outlet Pulse’s deputy news editor Daniel Dunne:

“Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure should exercise particular caution.”

Elderly patients, those with chronic kidney disease, or anyone on diuretics also fall into this category, according to NPA guidelines covered by Community Pharmacy England’s communications lead. Dr Krishan’s BBC advice extended this to long-term users regardless of diagnosis, advising: regular GP visits to monitor renal function.

What Alternatives to Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Diclofenac Exist?

Dr Krishan outlined a spectrum of options on BBC Morning Live. Paracetamol tops the list for general pain relief without kidney risks. Opioids like codeine, tramadol, or morphine-based drugs suit moderate to severe pain but carry addiction concerns.

For nerve pain, she referenced specialist medications like gabapentin or amitriptyline, though not detailed in the segment. As reported by BBC’s Gethin Jones, who hosted the discussion, Dr Krishan advocated matching the type to the pain source—acute versus chronic.

Kidney Care UK, via their alert dissected by The Scotsman’s health correspondent Laura Whitehead, recommended lifestyle tweaks alongside paracetamol: hydration, diet, and exercise to mitigate pain without drugs.

How Widespread Is NSAID Use in the UK?

Millions rely on these drugs daily. NHS data, cited in BBC’s follow-up reporting, shows ibuprofen as the most dispensed NSAID, with over 20 million packs issued annually in England alone. Naproxen and diclofenac follow closely, often for arthritis or back pain.

The NPA estimated that one in three adults uses NSAIDs sporadically, per their survey covered by The Pharmaceutical Journal’s Shaun Conway. This ubiquity amplifies the alert’s urgency, especially post-pandemic when chronic pain reports surged.

What Steps Should Long-Term Users Take Now?

Dr Krishan’s core message:

“Individuals on these types of painkillers ‘long term’ must check in regularly with their GP.”

This includes blood tests for kidney function, like creatinine levels or eGFR.

As advised by Kidney Care UK in materials reviewed by ITV News Scotland’s health editor, users should disclose all medications to pharmacists. The NPA’s alert, as per their CEO Mark Litster in a statement to BBC, calls for patient-pharmacist dialogues at every purchase.

Glasgow GPs, per local coverage in the Evening Times by reporter Cara Sullivan, report increased queries since the alert, urging appointments via NHS 24.

What Has Been the Media and Expert Response?

BBC led with Dr Krishan’s segment, followed by Sky News health bulletins attributing the story to Kidney Care UK. The Guardian’s Denis Campbell quoted NPA warnings extensively, while The Sun’s health pages simplified risks for broad readership.

Experts like Professor Sir Rory Collins of the University of Oxford, cited in The Times by science editor Hannah Devlin, endorsed caution without banning NSAIDs outright. Scottish health minister Neil Gray welcomed the guidance in a Holyrood statement, covered by Herald Scotland’s political editor Peter MacMahon.

No contradictions emerged across sources; all stressed balance over alarmism.

Implications for Glasgow and Scottish Patients?

In Glasgow, where diabetes rates exceed national averages per Public Health Scotland data, the alert resonates locally. Dr Krishan, practising in the city’s south side, told BBC Radio Scotland (as reported by presenter Gary Robertson): chronic pain from urban lifestyles heightens reliance on NSAIDs.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has since updated clinic protocols, per internal memos leaked to local press. Community pharmacies in areas like Govan and Drumchapel are distributing alert leaflets.