Slowing CKD down
- blood pressure medicines, especially ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which also protect the kidneys
- SGLT2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, for many people with CKD, with or without diabetes
- statins, to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
- good control of diabetes
Always check with a pharmacist before taking new medicines. Anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can harm the kidneys.
Treating complications
You may need treatment for anaemia, bone problems, or fluid build-up.
If the kidneys fail
- haemodialysis, where a machine filters your blood, usually 3 times a week in hospital or at home
- peritoneal dialysis, where fluid is put into your tummy through a tube to remove waste, usually done at home every day
- a kidney transplant, from a living or deceased donor
- supportive (conservative) care, which focuses on quality of life without dialysis. Some people choose this, especially older people with other health conditions
Your kidney team will talk to you about the options well before you need them.
Sources we used
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