No link between the use of ibuprofen and worsening of COVID-19

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has released its advice on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for COVID-19 following reports raising questions about whether NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) could worsen coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Association of the European Self-Care Industry (AESGP) welcomes this advice, hoping it will reassure people using NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and will stop the spread of misinformation in the media.

The EMA confirms that “there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID 19”. The EMA further adds that it is monitoring the situation closely and will review any new information that becomes available on this issue in the context of the pandemic.

Recommendations in case of COVID-19 infection

The EMA recommends that, in the treatment of COVID-19 infection, patients and healthcare professionals should consider all available treatment options including paracetamol and NSAIDs.

In line with EU national treatment guidelines, patients and healthcare professionals can continue using NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) as per the approved product information. Current advice includes that these medicines are used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period.

The EMA further adds that “there is currently no reason for patients taking ibuprofen to interrupt their treatment […]. This is particularly important for patients taking ibuprofen or other NSAID medicines for chronic diseases”.