Reports that ibuprofen worsened the course of COVID-19 disease have been denied by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency. Now scientists are testing whether this cheap drug can counteract the development of COVID-19.
Ibuprofen in the treatment of COVID-19?
Scientists want to see if ibuprofen can reduce the severity of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection and prevent serious respiratory problems in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers from the King’s College London Center for Innovative Therapies want to test the effects of ibuprofen in patients with moderate COVID-19 disease. Patients will be divided into two groups. Half will receive standard treatment and half will receive additional treatment with a special form of ibuprofen.
Previous animal studies suggest that a special form of ibuprofen may treat acute respiratory distress syndrome – one of the complications of COVID-19. Prof. Mitul Mehta presented research which shows that 80 percent. animals with acute respiratory distress syndrome die. However, when they are given a special form of ibuprofen, the survival rate increases to 80%. This gives hope that ibuprofen can also be used in humans to relieve severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Controversy over ibuprofen
In the early days of the pandemic, there were concerns that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, could exacerbate COVID-19 infection. WHO and EMA have addressed these revelations. A review of studies showed that there is no association between ibuprofen intake and the severe course of COVID-19.
It is worth knowing the details: Ibuprofen Worsens COVID-19 Disease? WHO and the European Medicines Agency take the floor
For mild symptoms of coronavirus, the NHS recommends that patients use paracetamol first, but only because it simply has fewer side effects and is usually a safer choice for most people.
Scientists who test ibuprofen in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 emphasize that patients receive a special preparation, not one that we buy at a pharmacy. If you suspect a coronavirus infection, do not self-medicate. You also cannot take ibuprofen prophylactically.
Editors recommend:
- The number of deaths due to COVID-19 in Europe has exceeded 174. The situation is worst in Great Britain
- New recommendations of PTEiLChZ regarding the treatment of patients with COVID-19 in Poland
- The «Achilles’ heel» of the coronavirus? Interesting discovery by scientists