Medicine: Pain-Killer Alert

Millions of Americans swear by ibuprofen for relief from the aches and pains of arthritis, menstrual cramps and other ailments. But like many other pain killers, ibuprofen, sold under such brand names as Advil and Medipren, can sometimes inflict pain. According to a report in the current Annals of Internal Medicine, the medication could cause kidney failure in about 1% of the people who use it.

In a study of twelve women with mild kidney disease, researchers at Johns Hopkins found that above-normal doses of ibuprofen led to kidney failure in three patients. Two of those patients also had adverse reactions to standard over-the-counter doses given three times a day. The kidney condition disappeared when use of the drug was stopped.

Healthy people who occasionally take ibuprofen should not be concerned. But the scientists believe that anyone who is 80 or older or who has severe heart disease or other conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys should consult a doctor before taking large doses -- six to twelve tablets a day -- for periods of a week or more.