THE MEDICINE PUTTING RUNNERS AT RISK

‘People are generally aware that antiinflammatories can cause stomach ulcers and cause the stomach lining to bleed, but it is not well-known that they can also damage the kidneys.’ Dr Hamish Osborne

RUNNERS who take antiinflammatory drugs before exercising are putting themselves at risk, a sports health expert says.

Speaking at the Otago University Faculty of Pain Medicine’s spring meeting over the weekend, Dr Hamish Osborne said the use of anti-inflammatory drugs while exercising could seriously damage one’s kidneys.

‘‘People are generally aware that anti-inflammatories can cause stomach ulcers and cause the stomach lining to bleed, but it is not well-known that they can also damage the kidneys,’’ he said.

Osborne said taking a standard dose of an anti-inflammatory, such as Voltaren or Nurofen, 36 hours before a hard 30-minute run triggered a 40 per cent reduction in kidney function. This condition was not seen in people running with no anti-inflammatories in their system.

While anti-inflammatory drugs had a place in pain treatment, Osborne said he wanted them taken off the pharmacy shelf and put back in the hands of GPs.

‘‘It would save a lot of people getting stomach ulcers and kidney damage.’’

Mike Sheridan, 56, of Eastbourne, said he used antiinflammatory medication during long-distance runs.

Sheridan, who has been a runner for 30 years, said he knew the risks associated with antiinflammatory drugs but uses them to remain active.

‘‘It is a useful tool to prolong our enjoyment, especially for those of us who are older. I wouldn’t use them as crutch, I would use it to get through the event or adventure. That’s the key for me.’’

Although Osborne’s claims were alarming, Sheridan said that if anti-inflammatory drugs were banned or restricted, it would have a huge impact on people’s lifestyle.

‘‘I think that would be very tough. It would have an impact on people’s ability to enjoy those pastimes. But maybe we are naive and we should be taking more notice of what science is saying,’’ he said.

Gayle Snyders, from Willis St Physiotherapy, said she often dealt with patients who continued to exercise when injured.

Snyders said she discouraged people from relying on antiinflammatories, unless they were seriously injured.

‘‘I would only recommend people take pain medication if it is preventing them from sleeping. There are a lot of risks involved.’’

People who were experiencing ongoing pain should seek advice from their doctor, she said.

Photo: ROSS GIBLIN/FAIRFAX NZ Long-distance runner Mike Sheridan, 56, of Eastbourne, says he will keep using anti-inflammatories despite the health risks.