Analgesic nephropathy: a major or minor problem?

Habitual analgesic takers run approximately three times the risk of developing chronic renal disease as nontakers or occasional takers. Over 200 deaths may occur each year in Australia from analgesic-induced renal disease, but this must be balanced against the benefit to society of simple, effective pain relief. This can be placed in perspective by contrast with the cost to society of cigarette smoking.