Weight Loss Medication & Kidney Cancer

A blog by Hazel Jackson, Lead Healthcare Professional Nurse at Kidney Cancer UK

Understanding Weight Loss Medication and Kidney Cancer Risk

In the last couple of years, there has been a rise in the availability of weight loss medication on the National Health Service (NHS). These medications can help those who are struggling with weight loss. However, as with all medications, they have side effects which may prevent some people from being granted access to them. Here, we will look at how this may be the case for some people with kidney cancer.

Common Side Effects and Kidney Health

Some of the most common side effects of the weight loss medications available are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause kidney damage. Therefore, if you have reduced kidney function, this would need to be considered as part of the risk assessment before being prescribed these medications.

The Role of Benzyl Alcohol in Medication

Additionally, some of these medications contain a substance called benzyl alcohol. This is an excipient – meaning it is not an active ingredient but acts as a vehicle to help deliver the active substance within the body. Once in the body, it is excreted via urine. However, it can sometimes build up in the kidneys, preventing them from working effectively. This can lead to metabolic acidosis – a condition caused by a build-up of acid in the body when the kidneys are unable to remove enough of it, which can be life-threatening.

Why You Might Be Declined Access

The risks highlighted above may mean that the reason you are not able to access weight loss medications is because the benefits do not outweigh the higher chance of complications. If you are declined, it is important to understand the reasons why. Please speak to your GP if you are unhappy or unsure about why you may have been declined.

The Dangers of Buying Medication Online

If you have been declined access to weight loss medications via the NHS and are considering accessing some of the ones available online, it is important to reflect on the reasons for your initial decline.

Buying prescription medications online can expose you to counterfeit or substandard medicines. This is a significant risk, as these are not regulated and may contain hazardous ingredients. Without considering that you may have been declined due to potential side effects that pose a threat to your health, you could put yourself at further risk. You can find more information about this on our supplements page.

Always Speak to a Healthcare Professional First

Therefore, it is important that you have a conversation with your GP or consultant before starting any new medication.

References
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/semaglutide/#important-safety-information
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tirzepatide/#renal-impairment
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/orlistat/#indications-and-dose
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15484.pdf
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9748.pdf