Yes, you can protect your kidneys by:

• Taking blood pressure and other medicines every day, if your doctor or nurse prescribes them to you.
• Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range, if you have diabetes.
• Changing your diet, if your doctor or nurse says you should.
• Avoiding medicines known as “nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs,” or NSAIDs. These medicines include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). Check with your doctor, nurse, or kidney specialist before starting any new medicines—even over-the-counter ones.