Holding the medical report and hospitalization order, Huy was stunned. Doctor Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Head of the Nephrology - Urology Department, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, informed the young man that he had stage 4 chronic kidney disease and might require dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future.

The desire for a quick body transformation led Huy to social media groups advertising "rapid" weight-loss pills. He purchased and used these unregulated pills for months, believing they would give him his dream physique.

After a month of use, Huy lost about 5 kg but experienced increased urination, rapid fatigue, thirst, poor sleep, and gradually decreased urine output. Assuming these were side effects of the "cleansing" process, Huy didn't seek medical attention. Only when fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite became severe did he go to Hanoi Medical University Hospital, where he learned his kidney function was down to 10%.

The habit of indiscriminate use of drugs and supplements contributes to kidney failure. Photo: Phung Tien

The habit of indiscriminate use of drugs and supplements contributes to kidney failure. Photo: Phung Tien

Huy's story is not unique. Nam, a 25-year-old salesman and amateur bodybuilder, experienced a similar shock. To increase muscle mass, Nam consistently consumed a high-protein diet and various supplements and muscle-building drugs advertised online.

Nam, who had achieved high rankings in bodybuilding competitions, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease due to chronic interstitial nephritis during a routine health check. He was in disbelief.

"The doctor said my habit of excessive animal protein intake and indiscriminate supplement use had silently destroyed my kidneys," Nam said.

Statistics from the Vietnam Ministry of Health reveal that approximately 6 million people in Vietnam suffer from chronic kidney disease, often diagnosed late. The incidence rate among those under 30 has increased rapidly, primarily due to the habit of using medications and supplements without medical guidance, 3 to 4 times higher than 10 years ago. Doctor Thanh stated that his department admits dozens of young patients with acute or chronic kidney failure every month, most of whom have used supplements or self-prescribed "traditional medicine."

Kidneys play a crucial role in removing waste products, maintaining fluid balance, producing red blood cells, synthesizing hormones, regulating blood pressure, and contributing to vitamin D synthesis for bone health. Various factors can cause kidney failure, with indiscriminate drug use being a common one.

Kidneys are vulnerable to damage not only from underlying diseases but also from medication overuse, particularly antibiotics, painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and unregulated weight-loss, muscle-building, and skin-whitening products.

Studies have shown that prolonged NSAID use increases the risk of acute kidney injury by 50%. Laxatives and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, popular among young people, can cause chronic kidney failure if misused. Unidentified powders and even some traditional remedies containing corticosteroids and banned substances can destroy kidneys within months.

Alarmingly, many weight-loss supplements on the market contain banned substances like sibutramine and phenolphthalein, flagged by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Ministry of Health for potential cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and neurological risks. The "rapid fat loss" mechanism often involves strong diuretics, causing dehydration, metabolic disorders, and nutrient malabsorption, leading to acute consequences like kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, and even death. Bach Mai Hospital's Poison Control Center has recorded cases of vision loss and brain damage from sibutramine poisoning linked to weight-loss products.

Self-medicating and improper drug use worsen illnesses. Photo: Freepik

Self-medicating and improper drug use worsen illnesses. Photo: Freepik

Doctor Doan Du Manh of the Vietnam Vascular Society warns, "Advertisements promising 'rapid fat burning,' 'muscle gain and fat loss in just a few days,' or 'fat loss without exercise' often indicate the presence of stimulants, diuretics, or banned substances."

Chronic kidney disease is often diagnosed late due to its silent progression and lack of specific symptoms. To prevent drug-induced kidney damage, individuals should avoid self-medicating without consulting a doctor or pharmacist, especially those with existing kidney conditions. Children and the elderly are also particularly vulnerable to medication side effects.

Following doctor's orders, avoiding unauthorized medication changes, dosage adjustments, and prolonged use is crucial. Sharing prescriptions with others is discouraged, as individual health and physiology differ.

Thuy Quynh