Businessman develops end-stage renal failure from painkiller misuse

A 47-year-old businessman living in Kaohsiung has developed end-stage renal failure due to the long-term, unsupervised use of over-the-counter painkillers to treat chronic headaches.

For nearly a year, the individual frequently purchased and consumed non-prescription medication without medical consultation to maintain his high-intensity work schedule. His condition deteriorated, manifesting in symptoms such as limb swelling, decreased urine output, and extreme exhaustion. He was eventually rushed to Shin Kong Hospital after experiencing severe difficulty breathing during an asthma attack.

Medical examinations confirmed total kidney failure, requiring immediate dialysis to manage toxin accumulation. Nephrologist Lin Ying-zhi noted that the misuse of non-prescription drugs for headaches, menstrual pain, or muscle aches is a common issue in modern life, often driven by a reluctance to seek professional medical advice.