Expert Working Group Finds Insufficient Evidence Linking Ibuprofen and COVID-19 Susceptibility

The Commission of Human Medicines (CHM) Expert Working Group has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to link ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with susceptibility for contracting COVID-19 or worsening symptoms.

CHM’s Expert Working Group’s findings were published in an April 14, 2020 press release issued by CHM and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom. As a result of the findings, the advice is for patients to use paracetamol or ibuprofen when self-medicating symptoms of COVID-19 but that should further questions arise or if symptoms start to worsen they should follow the advice of the National Health Service.

The government response comes after there was some confusion over the potential link between NSAIDs and the potential of worsening COVID-19 symptoms, reports of which had been circulated widely on social media platforms. The European Medicines Agency issued advice about NSAIDs and COVID-19 in March and stated that the issue will be closely monitored.

Source: Gov.uk