WHO warns against ibuprofen to treat for coronavirus symptoms

French Health Minister Veran issued the warning following a study seen in The Lancet medical journal, indicating that an enzyme assisted by drugs like ibuprofen could make coronavirus infections worse.

According to sciencealert, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier noted that experts from the UN health agency were “looking into this to give further guidance.”

“In the meantime, we recommend using paracetamol, and do not use ibuprofen as a self-medication. That's important,” he added.

He also said that if ibuprofen is "prescribed by the healthcare professionals, then, of course, that's up to them."

His comments follow a tweet posted by Veran noting that the drugs could be “an aggravating factor” for coronavirus infections.

“In the case of fever, take paracetamol,” he said.

The French minister said patients should ask for their doctor’s advice before using anti-inflammatory drugs. As too much paracetamol can cause liver damage, it should be used strictly within the bounds of the recommended dose.

Coronavirus causes mild symptoms for most though it can cause pneumonia and even multiple organ failure in some cases.

Ibuprofen is sold under brands such as Advil and Nurofen—made by Reckitt Benckiser. Asthmatics and those with respiratory ailments are normally cautioned against taking ibuprofen products.

In an email a spokesperson for Reckitt Benckiser noted that the company is aware of the concerns brought forward about “the use of steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) products, including ibuprofen, for the alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms.”

“Consumer safety is our number one priority,” the spokesperson added, “ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely as a self-care fever and pain reducer, including in viral illnesses, for more than 30 years.”

“We do not currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of COVID-19,” said the statement.

The spokesperson said that the company is “engaging with the WHO, EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and other local health authorities” and would provide “any additional information or guidance necessary for the safe use of our products following any such evaluation.”

Europe's top medicines regulator said not to ditch your ibuprofen yet and added that there is still no solid evidence that coronavirus can be made worse by the painkiller.