WHO: Do Not Take Ibuprofen for COVID-19 Symptoms

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended on Tuesday that persons suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should not take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, after France’s health ministry suggested they could worsen the effects of the coronavirus.

France's health minister Olivier Véran tweeted on Saturday a warning against using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, as they might worsen the disease. But he also claimed people should consult a doctor before stopping taking the drug. He recommended taking acetaminophen instead.

Véran's suggestion was criticized by many, who emphasized the lack of scientific evidence to suggest an adverse link between ibuprofen and the new coronavirus. 

Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity of illnesses caused by COVID-19, certain evidence exists linking ibuprofen to more severe reactions with other respiratory infections.

Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, chiefly for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as a first choice".

Asked about the issue, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters that the UN health agency's experts were "looking into this to give further guidance. In the meantime, we recommend using paracetamol, and not using ibuprofen as a self-medication. That's important.” 

By Elene Dzebisashvili