“The results of nearly all recent observational studies of patients from around the world diagnosed with COVID-19 show no association between exposure to NSAIDs (including ibuprofen) and worsening clinical outcomes. Among seven recent studies, six report no association or insignificant results, including three that have been peer-reviewed and published. According to the authors of one peer-reviewed study (Imam et al, 2020), NSAID use is not associated with increased mortality among COVID-19 patients. And authors of another peer-reviewed study (Gianfrancesco et al, 2020) reported that use of NSAIDs was not associated with increased odds of hospitalization among COVID-19 patients with rheumatic disease.
“Today, the growing balance of evidence continues to support the current international consensus summarized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there is a lack of overall data to support an association between COVID-19 outcomes and ibuprofen use. FDA ‘is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, to worsening COVID-19 symptoms’ and FDA continues to track any safety issues. Similarly, CDC has stated ‘there are no data suggesting an association between COVID-19 clinical outcomes and NSAID use’.
“Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have also previously stated that there is no known evidence that NSAIDs worsen symptoms of COVID-19, and they continue to advise patients with COVID-19 and healthcare professionals to consider all available treatment options including paracetamol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs like ibuprofen as currently labeled and directed.
“In the U.S., over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs are indicated and labeled to temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) reminds consumers to read the full Drug Facts Label on all OTC medicines to determine safe and appropriate use, and to report severe or persistent symptoms to your healthcare provider.”
