Can I take ibuprofen to treat coronavirus symptoms? Expert advice on painkillers and Covid-19

Why might ibuprofen make Covid-19 worse?

Experts speculate that as an anti-inflammatory, it could dampen your immune response to the virus, slowing recovery and aggravating pneumonia symptoms. But there is, as PHE says, no proof.

Dr Rupert Beale, Group Leader in Cell Biology of Infection at The Francis Crick Institute in the UK, explained: “There is a good reason to avoid ibuprofen as it may exacerbate acute kidney injury brought on by any severe illness, including severe Covid-19 disease. There isn’t yet any widely accepted additional reason to avoid it for Covid-19.”

What might I take instead to relieve the symptoms of coronavirus?

The best option is paracetamol. It is an effective pain killer and will help lower your temperature but is not an anti-inflammatory drug.

“It will reduce the fever without counterattacking the inflammation”, said the French health minister.

What if my doctor has told me to take ibuprofen or other anti inflammatories?

Always follow your doctor’s advice. Many people are advised to take anti inflammatories for a range of different conditions. Do not change your medication unless you have talked to your doctor first. 

Can I take aspirin?

Aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory drug. It is recommended for protection against stroke and heart attack in some people. Do not stop using aspirin if your doctor has recommended you use it without first talking to them.

What do the drug manufacturers say? 

Reckitt Benckiser – the makers of Nurofen, a branded ibuprofen drug – said the organisation would communicate any additional safety guidance related to the coronavirus if it emerged.

But they added: “We do not currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of Covid-19.”