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WHO Updates Statement About Taking Ibuprofen If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms

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The World Health Organization fought back against rumors this week and said it does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen to help with coronavirus symptoms.

“At present, based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen,” read a graphic attached to a tweet on the subject Wednesday.

“We are also consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known side effects that limit its use in certain populations.”

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The statement came after France’s health ministry suggested the popular painkiller could worsen the effects of coronavirus.

Health Minister Olivier Veran, who is also a neurologist, tweeted Saturday, “Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone, …) could be an aggravating factor of the infection.”

His concerns stemmed from some French COVID-19 patients experiencing severe side effects because of the over-the-counter drug, NPR reported.

A commentary published in The Lancet medical journal also stirred questions about ibuprofen’s safety by hypothesizing how various medications could increase the risk of coronavirus infection.

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According to the commentary’s author, taking ibuprofen might increase the number of ACE2 receptors on a cell, making someone more vulnerable to infection.

Rachel Graham told NPR that even if people have low levels of ACE2, they are still susceptible to the virus.

When asked about the study, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeir told reporters in Geneva that experts were “looking into this to give further guidance,” according to Science Alert.

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

A spokesman for Reckitt Benckiser, a British pharmaceutical company that makes Nurofen, said the company is aware of the concerns and does “not currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of COVID-19.”

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“Consumer safety is our number one priority,” he said. “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.”

WHO has since released its updated statement following “a rapid review of the literature” and finding there is no published scientific evidence that Ibuprofen worsens the virus, CNN reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also issued a statement that it is “not aware of scientific evidence” connecting ibuprofen to worsening COVID-19, according to CNN.

“The agency is investigating this issue further and will communicate publicly when more information is available,” the FDA said. “However, all prescription NSAID labels warn that ‘the pharmacological activity of NSAIDs in reducing inflammation, and possibly fever, may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting infections.'”

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Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




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