Ibuprofen warnings over effects on COVID-19

A UK Virologist as well as the French health minister are warning that Ibuprofen and other anti- inflammatory drugs could worsen the coronavirus

French health minister Olivier Veran, who is also a qualified neurologist, has warned that ibuprofen and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) worsen the affects of the coronavirus.

He said on twitter: “Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone, etc.) may be a factor in worsening the infection.

“If you have a fever, take paracetamol. If you are already on anti-inflammatory drugs or if in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.”

Professor Ian Jones, virologist at the University of Reading, said anti-inflammatory drugs “dampen down the immune system, which may slow the recovery process”.

The NHS had previously been telling those self-isolating they could “take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen”.

They now say that there is “no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus worse” but “until we have more information, take paracetamol”

They say to just take paracetamol unless a doctor says otherwise, or you are already taking ibuprofen or another NSAID at the advice of health care professionals.

Dr Tom Wingfield, senior lecturer and consultant physician at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, has said that paracetamol was is the preferred drug, as it is less likely to result in side effects.

He went on to say: “Side effects associated with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, especially if taken regularly for a prolonged period, are stomach irritation and stress on the kidneys, which can be more severe in people who already have stomach or kidney issues,”