Ibuprofen is one of a group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (abbreviated as NSAIDs). They are often used to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation and reduce fevers.
In mid-March 2020, claims circulated on social media linking the use of ibuprofen to a worsening of the ill effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). These claims were made by a number of people and bodies. It followed a letter on March 11, 2020, in The Lancet medical journal, which theorised that NSAIDs increase a particular enzyme (a type of substance that occurs naturally in the body), and this increase could worsen the symptoms of COVID-19.
There is no conclusive evidence linking the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening symptoms of COVID-19.
Until there is more evidence, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) recommend that people who have confirmed COVID-19, or believe they have COVID-19, should take paracetamol in preference to ibuprofen.
Drafted by: Prof Declan Devane, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, NUI Galway.
Reviewed by: Dr Tom Conway, HRB Clinical Research Facility HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, NUI Galway
Reviewed by: Elaine Finucane, School of Nursing and Midwifery and HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, NUI Galway
Evidence Advisor: Prof Andrew Murphy, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, NUI Galway, Health Research Board Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland and General Practitioner principal in a semi-rural setting.
Evidence Advisor: Marcus Finucane, Public Evidence Advisor.
Evidence Advisor: Dr Claire O’Connell, Journalist, Contributor, The Irish Times.
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