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Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys need support — not that they’ve stopped
Most CKD progresses slowly, and the right medications and diet choices can meaningfully slow that progression. Many people manage CKD for years without ever needing dialysis.
What do you need right now?
Some over-the-counter medications are worth avoiding
Common pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs) can stress kidneys further. Check with your care team before taking any new over-the-counter medication or supplement.
Time to check in on your kidney health?
4 quick questions. Nothing here is saved or stored — this stays in your browser.
1. New or increased swelling in your legs, ankles, or around your eyes?
2. Unusually foamy urine, or noticeably less urine than normal?
3. More fatigue or trouble concentrating than usual?
4. Has it been more than 6 months since your last kidney function blood test?
This is a general check-in, not a personal determination or diagnosis. Your nephrologist decides what’s right for you.
Medication options
For context, not a recommendation — your nephrologist will help choose what fits your situation.
| Medication class | What it does | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors / ARBs | Lower blood pressure and directly protect kidneys | First-line for many CKD patients, especially with diabetes or protein in urine |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | Originally diabetes drugs; now strongly recommended for kidney protection | Increasingly recommended for many CKD patients |
| Diuretics (“water pills”) | Help manage fluid and blood pressure | Often used together with ACE/ARB |
| Potassium binders | Lower high potassium when CKD makes that hard to manage | Advanced CKD with high potassium |
| ESAs | Treat anemia caused by advanced CKD | Advanced CKD with low hemoglobin |
The information here describes how a class of medications generally works and what to discuss with your provider or pharmacist. It is not a prescription, a recommendation of a specific drug or dose, or instructions to start, stop, or change any medication. Decisions about medications belong to you and your prescribing clinician.
Building your care team
Ready to find care?
Search for a nephrologist or renal dietitian near you.