Ibuprofen is said to exacerbate the effects of Covid

WHO announced to avoid using Ibuprofen for symptom management in COVID-19 patients. This was done after France warned that anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory drugs could exacerbate the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Regarding this appeal, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that UN health experts were investigating this to form further guidance.

“While (the investigation is ongoing), we recommend using paracetamol, and not using ibuprofen as a standalone treatment option. That's important, "he said.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can lower the temperature of the fever and help manage flu-like symptoms. But why are ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unsuitable for symptomatic management in COVID-19 positive patients?

The WHO warning ibuprofen could exacerbate the effects of COVID-19

Prior to the WHO warning, French Health Minister Olivier Veran recently ordered his health workers to avoid using ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 patients.

Veran warned that the use of ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory drugs could be a burdensome factor in patients infected with COVID-19. Anti-inflammatory drugs are a group of drugs used to reduce inflammation, thereby relieving pain and reducing fever.

According to Veran, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can worsen symptoms of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. For fever reduction and pain relievers, he recommends using paracetamol.

"In case of fever, take paracetamol," Veran said in a tweet on his Twitter account. Veran emphasized that patients already being treated with anti-inflammatory drugs should seek advice from a doctor.

Veran's warning follows a study published in the journal The Lancet. The journal hypothesized that an enzyme boosted by anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen could exacerbate the effects and infections caused by COVID-19.

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The UK National Health Service (NHS) website which previously recommended the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen has also changed its recommendation.

"There is currently no solid evidence that ibuprofen can worsen the coronavirus (COVID-19), until we have more information, it is better to use paracetamol to treat coronavirus symptoms, unless your doctor tells you paracetamol is not suitable for you," he wrote.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected more than 210,000 people worldwide, only causes mild symptoms in most people. In some cases it can lead to pneumonia or severe illness leading to multiple organ failure.

The effects of ibuprofen can worsen the condition of COVID-19 patients

It is not yet known whether ibuprofen has a specific effect on the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Either in healthy patients or in patients who have comorbidities.

Even so, Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that before it becomes clear, it is better to avoid using ibuprofen.

He said the reasons for avoiding ibuprofen seemed reasonable, especially for susceptible patients. Because there is some evidence that some respiratory infections get worse after taking ibuprofen - although it's not really proven that ibuprofen is the only cause.

Some experts also believe that ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory properties can weaken the immune response.

"There are many studies that suggest using ibuprofen during respiratory infections can lead to worsening of the disease or other complications," said professor Parastou Donyai of the University of Reading.

"However, I have not seen clear scientific evidence showing that ibuprofen provides additional effects and risks of complications in COVID-19 patients without comorbidities," he said.

The function of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a painkiller for a variety of aches and pains, including backaches, headaches, menstrual pain, toothaches. It also treats inflammation such as sprains and pain from arthritis.

It is among the most widely used over the counter drugs, such as paracetamol and aspirin.

It is available in tablet, capsule, syrup form, and also in gel and spray form for external use.

You can buy most types of ibuprofen from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription, and some require a prescription. Although it can be purchased without a doctor's prescription, to take ibuprofen you need to pay attention to some of its side effects.