Statement on COVID-19 and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

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18th March 2020 : Statement on COVID-19 and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
 

The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) welcomes the advice of The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for COVID-19, following recent claims raising questions about whether NSAIDs such as ibuprofen could worsen coronavirus.


No scientific evidence establishes a link between the use of ibuprofen and worsening of COVID 19.
 

EMA confirms there is currently no evidence which links anti-inflammatory medicines with the worsening of COVID-19. EMA is monitoring the situation and recommends that patients and healthcare professionals consider all treatment options, including paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs, as per the approved product information, to treat fever or pain in patients with COVID-19.

 

Self-care is crucial in decreasing the burden on health-care systems, particularly during this time of crisis. As an organization in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), GSCF fully supports WHO guidance on how to stay safe and protect yourself from COVID-19.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

 

20th March 2020:

The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) welcomes the advice of The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for COVID-19. This guidance follows recent claims raising questions about whether NSAIDs such as ibuprofen could worsen coronavirus.

No scientific evidence establishes a link between the use of ibuprofen and worsening of COVID 19.

EMA confirms there is currently no evidence that links anti-inflammatory medicines with the worsening of COVID-19. EMA is monitoring the situation and recommends that patients and healthcare professionals consider all treatment options, including paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs, as per the approved product information, to treat fever or pain in patients with COVID-19.

FDA is also not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms. FDA states that, “OTC medications are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and/or as directed by your healthcare professional.”

At present, based on currently available information, WHO is not advising against the use of ibuprofen.

Self-care is crucial in decreasing the burden on healthcare systems, particularly during this time of crisis. As an organization in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), GSCF fully supports WHO guidance on how to stay safe and protect yourself from COVID-19.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public