Questions and confusion about taking anti-inflammatories to combat pain and fever in cases of Covid-19 have increased during the pandemic. Updated 2023.
Hypotheses establishing a possible link between taking ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and severe forms of illness Covid-19 were formulated during the pandemic. A precautionary principle was thus established in France in 2020. Olivier Véran, then Minister of Health, recommended favoring paracetamol over anti-inflammatories. to fight fever caused by Covid infection. The WHO also advised do not take ibuprofen as self-medication without medical advice in the event of symptoms similar to those of Covid. What is it today and what do we know about it?use of ibuprofen in the context of Covid infection ?
The studies are unanimous today
The results of the studies and the scientific consensus are clear: yes, it is possible and safe to take ibuprofen when suffering from Covid. Various research and observational studies have been carried out on patients with Covid-19, notably in United Kingdom but also to Denmark and in Israel, and all led to the same findings: ibuprofen is not associated with a risk of a more serious form of covid. It was not observed thatincrease in hospitalizations, intensive care admissionsof use of oxygen nor even the mortality when NSAIDs (including ibuprofen) were administered to patients with Covid, compared to those who took paracetamol or who received no treatment.
It is therefore not not justified in banning ibuprofen in cases of pain and fever during Covid, nor even (and above all) to stop it when taken over the long term in a context of chronic illness (for example in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis). On the other hand, and because of its side effects and its risks of interaction with certain medications or pathologies, it does not constitute not the treatment of choice to relieve fever and pain linked to a viral infection such as Covid-19, paracetamol being preferred firstly, in all cases. Taking ibuprofen must be accompanied by medical advice and must be lowest effective dose, during the shortest possible period. When ibuprofen is taken long-term as part of a chronic illness, it does not represent any particular danger if a Covid infection occurs and can be continued.
What symptoms does ibuprofen relieve?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), effective against inflammatory conditions acute or chronic, as well as against pain and the fever. Covid-19 can cause severe headachesa sometimes high fever or even muscle aches. If adapted to the patient’s health condition and any other medications, ibuprofen can be very effective in relieving the symptoms associated with this infection.
It may mask more serious symptoms
What risks?
This anti-inflammatory, like other NSAIDs, can worsen an existing bacterial infection, delay its diagnosis or even its healing. However, the symptoms of Covid can sometimes be similar to those of an infection caused by bacteria (cough, sore throat, fever, inflammation, etc.). If this were the case, taking ibuprofen could then prove dangerous. By masking infectious symptoms and increasing the spread of germs bacterial, ibuprofen can lead to cases of serious infection, and sometimes even a death. It is therefore essential to do not take ibuprofen without medical advice, without being certain of the origin of the symptoms and the absence of a bacterial infection. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.