The warning came
after French health officials warned that anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen
effects of the virus.
Commenting on a
recent study in The Lancet medical journal, French Health Minister Olivier
Veran said it was hypothesised that an enzyme boosted by anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen could facilitate and worsen COVID-19 infections.
Veran stressed that coronavirus cases should take
paracetamol instead, while those already being treated with anti-inflammatory
drugs should ask advice from their doctor.
When asked about the study, WHO spokesman Christian
Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva the UN health agency’s experts were “looking
into this to give further guidance.”
He added;
“In the meantime,
we recommend using rather paracetamol, and do not use ibuprofen as a
self-medication. That’s important.
"If ibuprofen
had been prescribed by the healthcare professionals, then, of course, that’s up
to them.”
AFP reported that a spokesperson for British pharmaceutical
company Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Nurofen, said in an email statement that
the company was aware of concerns raised about “the use of steroids and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) products, including ibuprofen, for the
alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms.”
The statement added;
“Consumer safety
is our number one priority. 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.
“We do not
currently believe there is any proven scientific evidence linking
over-the-counter use of ibuprofen to the aggravation of COVID-19.
"Reckitt
Benckiser is engaging with the WHO, EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and
other local health authorities on the issue and would provide any additional
information or guidance necessary for the safe use of our products following
any such evaluation.”
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