COVID-19 Update: Avoid Using Ibuprofen -WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued advice on Tuesday that people suffering from COVID-19 should refrain from taking ibuprofen. The recommendation was released after French officials warned that anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen the effects of the virus.

This issue on ibuprofen developed as French Health Minister Veran posted on Twitter a warning against the use of ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory drugs in treating COVID-19 patients. The warning stemmed from a recent study published in The Lancet medical journal. It reports that COVID-19 infections could worsen due to enzymes of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Veran posted advice on Twitter that in case of fever, paracetamol should be taken instead. He also cautioned that too much paracetamol can damage the liver, thus it must be taken according to the recommended dose. The post has then gone viral and raised questions in the medical community.

When asked about the details of the said study, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier claimed that health experts from the UN are looking into the study to provide further guidance. He added that in the meantime, WHO reiterates Veran's advice to use paracetamol instead, and not to use ibuprofen as self-medication. He also advised that in cases physicians prescribe ibuprofen to patients, then it is to their discretion. He also highlighted the fact that patients who are already taking ibuprofen should seek advice from their doctors. 

As of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected around 200,000 people around the world and killed more than 7,800. Most people show mild symptoms, but in some cases, it can result in pneumonia or in worst cases, multiple organ failure.

French authorities have long been warning the public over serious "infectious complications" associated with the use of ibuprofen, even before the pandemic. Ibuprofen is sold in various brands such as Nurofen and Advil, and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of Nurofen, stated in an email that the company was aware of the issues regarding treatment of COVID-19 that are using steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) products, including ibuprofen. He also stated in the email that consumer safety is the top priority of the company and assured the public that ibuprofen has, for more than 30 years, been used as self-care fever and pain reducer even in viral illnesses without safety issues. The company believes that there is no proven scientific evidence associating ibuprofen to the worsening of COVID-19. 

Benckiser is coordinating with WHO, Europe Medicines agencies, and other local health authorities and will provide additional information or necessary advice to clarify the issue. 

Doubts on the use of ibuprofen initially surfaced in France, after Jean-Louis Montastruc, a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital posted on Twitter that: "In this period of coronavirus, it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of fever or infection." France's health minister, Olivier Veran, subsequently posted on Twitter a warning on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to treat COVID-19.

The lack of clear consensus among medical experts has led to mixed and confusing messages online, prompting the WHO to clarify the issue.