Ibuprofen and COVID-19 (Washington, DC. 18 March, 2020)

Regarding information that appeared in the media about the risk of using ibuprofen in COVID-19 infections, between March 15 and March 18, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) and some regulatory authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), National Health Services (NHS) in the United Kingdom, Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) in Spain, and the Health Products Regulatory (HPRA) in Ireland have stated that there is currently no evidence to support an aggravation of COVID-19 infection with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.

In short and pending new data, we believe the approach suggested by the UK NHS is appropriate. It addresses the lack of evidence regarding harmful effects of ibuprofen on covid-19 infections and does not advise to discontinue ongoing treatments with this medicine but, if treatment is initiated, prioritizes the use of paracetamol to treat symptoms of the infection.