Geeta Singh Geeta Singh Asked 9 months ago

Can steroids cause kidney stones?

I've had kidney stones in the past, and now I'm on a course of oral steroids for an autoimmune flare-up. I'm worried about getting stones again. Can taking steroids increase the risk of developing kidney stones?

8

8 answers

Anil Wagle Anil Wagle Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago
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Managing diabetes has made me very careful about my kidney health, as both are closely linked. Steroids can increase calcium excretion in your urine, which can lead to kidney stones. If you are taking steroids, make sure to drink plenty of water and limit your salt intake.

Sarla Devi Sarla Devi Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I once ignored a mild lower back ache while taking steroids, thinking it was just muscle fatigue. It turned out to be a painful kidney stone that had grown quite large. Please do not ignore even minor back or side pain; get a kidney ultrasound done if your doctor advises it.

Siddharth Joshi Siddharth Joshi Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Actually yaar, yes they can. Steroids affect how your body handles calcium, which can sometimes build up in the kidneys and form stones. It is super painful, so make sure you are flushing your system with lots of fluids while on these meds.

Rohan Joshi Rohan Joshi Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Haha, unless you are gulping down steroids like candy and avoiding water like it's poison, you probably won't get kidney stones! Yes, there is a small link, but keeping yourself well-hydrated is literally all you need to do to keep those stones away. Cheers!

Gurpreet Kaur Gurpreet Kaur Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

My son was on steroids for nephrotic syndrome and developed a small kidney stone due to the high calcium levels in his urine. It was a very stressful time for us. We had to ensure he drank at least 2-3 liters of water daily and closely monitored his urine output with his pediatrician.

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Saji Joseph Saji Joseph Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Yes, steroids can increase the amount of calcium your kidneys filter out, which sometimes leads to calcium kidney stones. It's a known side effect for long-term users. Just stay highly hydrated and ask your doctor if you need a mild diuretic to help manage the calcium levels.

Gopal Dutt Gopal Dutt Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Drinking warm lemon water and barley water can help prevent the accumulation of calcium in your kidneys. However, if you are experiencing severe, sharp pain in your back or abdomen, home remedies won't work. Please see a doctor immediately as it could be a stone blocking the tract.

Zoya Khan Zoya Khan Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I developed severe kidney complications after long-term steroid use, so I am always very cautious. Steroids can alter your urinary calcium levels, increasing stone risk. Please consult your physician and get regular kidney function tests and urine analyses to monitor this safely.

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