The European Medicines Agency considers that there is currently no scientific evidence linking ibuprofen to the aggravation of COVID-19. In a press release issued on Wednesday 18 March, however, it indicated that it is prepared to review its position should there be any further developments.
The agency justifies its stance in light of “reports, especial on social media, which raise questions about whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could worsen coronavirus disease”. On 14 March, French Health Minister Olivier Véran published on his Twitter account that “taking anti-inflammatory medicines” such as ibuprofen or cortisone “could be a factor in aggravating the infection”. He recommended taking paracetamol in case of fever.
The EMA’s press release is part of an evaluation launched in May 2019 by its safety committee (PRAC) following an investigation by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) into the potential of these medications to aggravate chickenpox and certain bacterial infections.
Although paracetamol is generally recommended as the first treatment option for fever or pain, each medicine has its own benefits and risks, says the EMA. It thus stresses that there is currently no reason for patients taking ibuprofen to discontinue their treatment, especially for patients with chronic diseases.
The EMA closes its communiqué by inviting stakeholders to conduct further research on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines while the PRAC’s analysis is being finalised. “The Agency is reaching out to its stakeholders and is ready to actively support such studies, which could be useful in guiding any future treatment recommendations”, EMA concludes. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)