Our renal system is responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. Our kidneys play a big role in our renal system by helping to regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and clear drugs from the body. 

If our kidneys aren’t working well, waste can build up and fluid levels can become unbalanced. Some drugs, such as ketamine, can cause problems with our kidneys and bladder. Ketamine-induced uropathy is caused by regular use of ketamine and can cause similar symptoms to urinary tract infections, such as problems urinating, pain, and changes in urinary frequency. Viruses, such as Hepatitis C, that can be transmitted through sharing needles can cause kidney failure. 

Some useful checks are: 

  • Checking for changes. These may be things like needing to urinate more or less often than usual, pain during urination, and difficulty starting or stopping. 
  • Checking the colour of your urine. Dark, foamy, or bloody urine are signs more investigation is needed. 
  • Track how much fluid you’re drinking and how often you urinate. Take a note of this, as it is helpful information to bring to a doctor. 
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or around the eyes. These can be signs that your kidneys are not balancing your fluid levels properly. 
  • Changes in the self-checks outlined above. 
  • Lower back pain, especially around the flanks (the sides of your body between your ribs and hips). 
  • Unexpected weight loss or gain. 
  • Feeling tired without a clear reason. 
  • Unusual urine. This may be frothy, foamy, or have blood in it. 

It can help to take note of these if these symptoms stick around or get worse, as that’s a sign to investigate further. 

Doctors are likely to talk with you about your symptoms and lifestyle. If you feel comfortable, sharing what drugs you have used with them can help them provide better care. 

They may:

  • Ask you to get blood and urine tests to check how well your kidneys are filtering waste. This could involve collecting urine over a day. 
  • Ask you to get regular blood tests for liver and kidney functions with a routine urine kidney test. This can help to keep an eye on how well your liver and kidneys are functioning, as those two organs break down all alcohol, prescription, and other drugs.