Kidney disease drug recommended by Nice 'may do more harm than good'

Exclusive: Little evidence that phosphate binders improve patient wellbeing, warn experts, while one type may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

The UK's drug guidelines body is recommending a type of medication to treat chronic kidney disease despite no firm evidence that it benefits patients - and some signs that the drugs may do more harm than good, experts have warned.

Phosphate binders are commonly prescribed to lower blood phosphate levels in patients with advanced kidney disease, including those on dialysis. High phosphate has been linked to worse patient outcomes, including bone and muscle problems, a build-up of calcium in the blood vessels causing them to stiffen, and an increased death rate.