Victims told: Beware taking ibuprofen
PATIENTS with coronavirus symptoms are advised to avoid taking ibuprofen as a precaution.
Some experts are concerned that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could worsen coronavirus by ‘dampening down’ the immune system.
While there is no strong evidence that this is the case, scientists are investigating possible links between ibuprofen and the worsening of symptoms.
In the meantime, the NHS has advised people with symptoms of Covid-19 to take paracetamol instead.
But they stressed it is important that patients already taking ibuprofen for chronic diseases or pain continue to take their medication as normal.
If they develop coronavirus symptoms, patients are advised to speak to their doctor before they stop taking ibuprofen.
Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told MPs last week: ‘The sensible thing to do would be to say don’t take it at the moment.’
A Government statement says: ‘There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus worse. Until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you.’
It adds: ‘There is some debate suggesting NSAIDs may increase complications from simple acute respiratory infections or slow recovery.
The product information of many NSAIDs already contains warnings that their anti-inflammatory effects may hide the symptoms of a worsening infection. However the evidence is not conclusive.’
Concerns over ibuprofen began when France’s health minister, Olivier Veran, tweeted that anti-inflammatory drugs ‘may be a factor in worsening the infection’.
An article in the medical journal the BMJ mentions four young patients who, according to an infectious diseases doctor in south-west France, developed serious symptoms of coronavirus despite having no underlying health problems. They had all apparently used antiinflammatory drugs in the early stages of the symptoms. Last week Reckitt Benckiser, the makers of Nurofen, said it was liaising with the World Health Organisation and other health bodies, but it stressed that there is no current evidence linking ibuprofen to the worsening of Covid-19.
The statement added: ‘Consumer safety is our number one priority. Ibuprofen is a wellestablished medicine that has been used safely as a self-care fever and pain reducer, including in viral illnesses, for more than 30 years.
‘We do not currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of Covid-19.’