Amid the panic and fear due to the coronavirus pandemic, experts have finally shed some light on the confusion regarding taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen for the concern that it will worsen COVID-19 symptoms, which is brought by the novel coronavirus.
Ibuprofen is safe to use!
According to The Straits Time, the European Union's healthcare regulator has confirmed that there is currently no evidence that can back up the claims that taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, could worsen COVID-19.
Nevertheless, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is closely monitoring the situation.
They have said that healthcare professionals, as well as patients, should be considering every treatment option available, including paracetamol and other anti-inflammatory medicines to treat symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus disease.
"In line with EU national treatment guidelines, patients and healthcare professionals can continue using NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) as per the approved product information," the EMA said.
With that, patients are advised to take the drug on the lowest dose possible for a short amount of time.
This is particularly important for patients who are required to take ibuprofen for chronic illnesses.
Don't stop taking ibuprofen unless suggested by experts
As per the Irish Times, there is no reason to stop taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen despite the alarming rate of coronavirus infections, unless patients have seen a doctor and are suggested not to take them anymore.
According to Metro, a frontline NHS doctor said that many patients in the UK that require these anti-inflammatory drugs, such as rheumatoid patients, are denied pain relief.
It's even worrying as they were not yet tested due to the lack of testing in the country.
Additionally, NHS officials have also issued clear advice on the matter, stating that although there is no evidence showing ibuprofen worsens the situation, patients should turn to paracetamol as their first choice in treating fever and pain associated with the coronavirus disease.
"Take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of Coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you it's not suitable for you," NHS suggests.
Confusion over ibuprofen
TechTimes have previously reported that United Kingdom health officials have already declared ibuprofen as harmful. However, French health minister Olivier Veran said otherwise.
Additionally, a father of a four-year-old girl has also gone viral after sharing his sentiments about the medicine, saying it aggravated his daughter's symptoms and induced shaking, panting, and vomiting.
After that, people began getting confused about whether to take it or not for fear of worsening any symptoms related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Don't believe everything on social media
Chris Morris, a BBC fact-checking correspondent, issued a warning to scammers and hoaxers that are spreading fake news about the coronavirus pandemic through social media and pretending to quote prestigious institutions about ibuprofen and its negative effect on COVID-19.
Morris also advised the people that when they are in doubt, they should check the NHS website and know what the government is saying.
He also encouraged people to check reputable media outlets for relevant news, and to "stop believing everything you read on social media."
As of writing, there are currently more than 212,000 cases of confirmed COVID-19 patients globally, with over 8,700 deaths.
