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What do the experts think?
European Medicines Agency
Polish authorities
Patient

Thecoronavirus pandemic has spread almost worldwide. One of the symptoms that accompany the infection is fever. Anyone of us who has struggled with a high temperature instinctively reaches for products containing ibuprofen or paracetamol. Recently, thanks to the French Minister of Health Olivier Veran, we learned that ibuprofen can even exacerbate the symptoms of a coronavirus infection. What is this all about?

Ibuprofen, like naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid or diclofenac, belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to reports in the media, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can worsen patients' conditions. The veracity of the data seems to be confirmed by the prestigious journal The Lancet, where an article indicated that human pathogenic coronaviruses can bind to target cells in the human body via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the so-called ACE2. This ACE2 is produced, among other things, in the epithelial cells of the lungs. It has been confirmed that in patients who suffer from diabetes and are treated with ACE inhibitors, the secretion of ACE2 may increase, thereby facilitating the risk of COVID-19 infection. Importantly, an increase in ACE2 expression occurs with the use of, among others, the aforementioned ibuprofen.

What do the experts say about this?

Opinions in the media are divided. In Switzerland, caution has been recommended in the use of products containing ibuprofen in their formulation, despite the lack of conclusive evidence that this active substance can 'facilitate' viral infection. As some experts point out, anti-inflammatory drugs reduce immune system responses, which may indeed facilitate COVID-19 infection. There is no shortage of opinions to the contrary - a virologist from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Muge. Andrews in Scotland, Muge Cevik, pointed out on Twitter that there is no scientific evidence that ibuprofen exacerbates symptoms of coronavirus infection.

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European Medicines Agency

In a statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) indicated that, at present, there is no conclusive hard scientific evidence that shows a link between ibuprofen and the severity of coronavirus infection. The EMA in its statement indicates that it is necessary to continuously monitor the situation and look at individual cases.

Polish authorities

The President of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Grzegorz Cessak, indicated in a statement on 18 March that 'Patients and medical personnel should continue to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, in accordance with approved information sheets and national treatment guidelines. In the current situation, it is recommended that these drugs are used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period of time."

Patient

So what should a patient do? If worrying symptoms are observed, the first thing to do is to contact the PC doctor at the telephone number indicated. It should be remembered that the so-called first-line drug for "bringing down" a fever is paracetamol, which does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Paracetamol is available in many products available at the pharmacy or drugstore without a prescription. Caution: paracetamol, like other medicines, must not be abused. An overdose of paracetamol can result in a number of side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders, liver and kidney dysfunction. Paracetamol poisoning should take place in a hospital setting. Don't take medicines recklessly - some medicines can interact with each other, which can make your condition worse. If taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), contact your PC doctor for further treatment.

way4cure.com

Paracetamol versus ibuprofen - recommendations for use during a viral infection

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