Does taking ibuprofen make coronavirus worse experts weigh in

There is ongoing debate and uncertainty about the potential impact of taking ibuprofen on the severity of COVID-19. Here's a summary of the current expert opinions and research:

Initial concerns:

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) and some medical professionals raised concerns that taking ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), might worsen COVID-19 symptoms. This was based on a few case reports and animal studies suggesting that ibuprofen could increase the severity of respiratory infections.

Current expert opinions:

The scientific community has since conducted more studies and reevaluated the evidence. Many experts now agree that the initial concerns were likely overstated, and that ibuprofen is unlikely to make COVID-19 worse. Here's what some experts have said:

• The WHO has updated its guidance, stating that "there is currently no evidence that ibuprofen worsens COVID-19."
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that "there is no evidence that ibuprofen increases the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19."
• The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) states that "there is no evidence to support the claim that ibuprofen worsens COVID-19."
• Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has said that "the data doesn't support the idea that ibuprofen makes COVID-19 worse."

Research findings:

Several studies have investigated the relationship between ibuprofen use and COVID-19 outcomes. Here are some key findings:

• A systematic review of 14 studies published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found no significant association between ibuprofen use and COVID-19 severity or mortality.
• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed data from over 1,000 patients with COVID-19 and found no association between ibuprofen use and hospitalization or intensive care unit admission.
• Another study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that ibuprofen use was not associated with increased risk of severe respiratory illness or death in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Based on the current evidence, it appears that taking ibuprofen is unlikely to make COVID-19 worse. However, it's essential to note that:

• Ibuprofen should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for patients with underlying medical conditions or taking other medications.
• If you have COVID-19, it's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's advice on medication use and treatment.
• If you're experiencing severe symptoms or have concerns about your medication use, consult with your healthcare provider.

Remember, the best way to manage COVID-19 is to follow public health guidelines, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if you're experiencing severe symptoms.