COVID-19 Warning: Does Ibuprofen Exacerbate The Symptoms?

Several stories pertaining to the ill effects of ibuprofen taken by COVID-19 patients are doing rounds on the internet. Also, France’s health ministry has suggested that these anti-inflammatory painkillers could worsen the effects of coronavirus.

"Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone...) could be an aggravating factor of the infection. If you have a fever, take paracetamol. If you are already on anti-inflammatory drugs or in doubt, ask your doctor for advice," CNN mentioned the Health Minister Olivier Veran’s tweet.

Such a suggestion has been criticized by some health experts, who cited the lack of open-access journals or evidence that demonstrates an association between the use of ibuprofen and the adverse effects of the coronavirus. Also, currently, there isn’t any published scientific evidence that COVID-19 is worsened by ibuprofen.

Both ibuprofen, as well as paracetamol, can help bring down a temperature and combat flu symptoms. However, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might not be suitable for everyone and can be prone to adverse effects, particularly for individuals suffering from health conditions such as asthma, heart diseases, and circulatory problems.

Also, several messages on WhatsApp have been circulating about COVID-19 patients facing the worsening of symptoms after taking ibuprofen. “It has come to our attention that there is a WhatsApp message being circulated purporting to be from the ID consultants in Cork, all of whom are members of @IDSIreland. It’s signed Dr. Tim. This is a fake message, please ignore and delete. Thanks,” tweeted the Infectious Disease Society of Ireland.

Here’s what is known about ibuprofen and coronavirus:

• There is no research yet into ibuprofen and COVID-19.
• Ibuprofen is associated with more complications and severe illness for other respiratory infections.
• Some experts are under the opinion that ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory properties might ‘dampen’ the body’s immune response.

"There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or other complications," BBC quoted Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading. "I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25-year-old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications," she added.