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A study published in the journal Lancet Respiratory Medicine [1] states that ibuprofen can worsen symptoms in people with acute viral respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, raising the question of whether it is safe to use ibuprofen to treat the new coronavirus.
According to the WHO, there are still insufficient scientific data to confirm this possible worsening of COVID-19 by ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and therefore these drugs can continue to be used under the doctor's guidance.
At this time, more studies are underway to assess the real relationship between the administration of ibuprofen and the worsening of infections by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Because ibuprofen could worsen the infection
According to a study in diabetic rats [2], in which ibuprofen was used for 8 weeks in lower doses than recommended, the researchers concluded that the use of this medicine appears to increase the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ECA2) in cardiac tissue .
That same enzyme, ECA2, seems to be one of the entry points for viruses of the coronavirus family in cells, and for this reason, some scientists hypothesize that if there is also an increase in the expression of this enzyme in humans, especially in the lung , it is possible that the virus can multiply faster, causing more severe symptoms.
Can other anti-inflammatory drugs aggravate the infection?
Since ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory in the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it was also considered that the use of drugs in this class could cause the same worsening of the symptoms of COVID-19, however the WHO states that it does not there are sufficient data to confirm this worsening, both for the use of ibuprofen and for any other type of NSAID.
So, ideally, anti-inflammatory drugs, especially NSAIDs, should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
What is recommended to do?
Treatment to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and general malaise, should be done with the use of paracetamol as the first alternative. Learn about the main symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you are suspicious.
However, as there is not enough evidence to contraindicate the use of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories, its use can also be done, provided that it is guided by a doctor. It is, therefore, very important to follow the doctor's recommendations and respect the information contained in the package insert.