Which risk factors are associated with NSAID use?

• A. No GI risk; no kidney risk
• B. Gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney injury; caution in peptic ulcers or CKD
• C. NSAIDs cure ulcers
• D. NSAIDs protect kidney function

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs increase risk to both the stomach and kidneys because they inhibit prostaglandin production, which normally protects the gastric mucosa and helps maintain renal blood flow. Without these protective prostaglandins, the stomach lining is more susceptible to irritation and ulcers, leading to GI bleeding, and the kidneys can receive less blood flow, risking kidney injury. That’s why the major risk factors to watch with NSAID use are gastrointestinal bleeding risk and potential kidney injury, with particular caution in people with peptic ulcers or chronic kidney disease. These drugs do not cure ulcers and they do not protect kidney function; in fact, they can worsen both conditions.