As we stock up on painkillers (no more than two packetsat a time, mind) in preparation for catching coronavirus, here is some important information to bear in mind. According to some health experts, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs could make the Covid-19 infection worse, with paracetamol considered the safest option.
France’s health minister, Olivier Véran, who is a qualified doctor and neurologist, tweeted on Saturday: ‘The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone … ] could be a factor in aggravating the infection. In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.’
Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, associate professor of epidemiology at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be prescribed with caution for people who have underlying health conditions.
‘For Covid-19, research is needed into the effects of specific NSAIDs among people with different underlying health conditions, which takes into account the severity of infection,’ she said. ‘In the meantime, for treating symptoms such as fever and sore throat, it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice.’
Additionally,Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said that anti-inflammatory drugs dampen the immune system, which may slow the recovery process. Dr Rupert Beale, group leader in cell biology of infection at The Francis Crick Institute, added there is ‘good reason to avoid ibuprofen’ as it may exacerbate acute kidney injury brought on by any severe illness, including severe Covid-19 disease. ‘There isn’t yet any widely accepted additional reason to avoid it for Covid-19,’ he adds.
In the meantime, for treating symptoms such as fever and sore throat, it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice.
The NHS has since reviewed the advice on their website for people with mild symptoms of coronavirus, which yesterday was to drink lots of water and take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Now they have updated guidance to say: ‘There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (Covid-19) worse. But 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. If you are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.’
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