Following a study in South Korea which suggested that ibuprofen may worsen outcomes from coronavirus, PAGB Chief Executive, Michelle Riddalls, said:
“All of the available, peer-reviewed evidence surrounding ibuprofen and coronavirus was examined recently by the Commission on Human Medicines.
“That review concluded there was insufficient evidence of a link between the use of ibuprofen and susceptibility to coronavirus or the worsening of symptoms caused by the virus.
“As a result, NHS advice is that people can take either paracetamol or ibuprofen for the symptoms associated with coronavirus.
“The patients involved in the South Korean research – which has not yet been peer-reviewed – had been prescribed ibuprofen, or one of several other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in the seven days before they joined the study.
“The dose of ibuprofen and the amount of time for which they were taking it is therefore not likely to be equivalent to that for people who take ibuprofen bought over the counter.
“Anyone who buys ibuprofen over the counter should always read the label and follow the instructions, as with any medication used for self care.
“PAGB and our members will of course keep all research relating to coronavirus under constant review.”
