Is Ibuprofen OK to take?

People are still concerned about the use of ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 symptoms, says NPS MedicineWise

The organisation has added new information to its website about the medicine, after concerns were raised last month that taking it could result in worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Organisations including the TGA spoke out to reassure Australians that there is no association between using NSAIDs like ibuprofen and worse outcomes.

The regular “medicinewise” advice still applies when using medicines to treat a fever, according to advice issued on Thursday by NPS MedicineWise.

NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and general practitioner Dr Jill Thistlethwaite says evidence and research about COVID-19 is growing and evolving all the time, so it can be difficult for consumers to find clear information, but common sense should still apply.

“There has been a lot of interest recently about whether or not you should use ibuprofen to help reduce fever in times of COVID-19,” says Dr Thistlethwaite.

New information on the NPS MedicineWise website explains that currently there is not enough evidence to suggest that ibuprofen makes things worse for those who have COVID-19.

“At the moment our advice about using medicines to help reduce fever, due to COVID-19 or other infections, remains the same,” says Dr Thistlethwaite.

“It is also important to remember that a fever is a normal response of the body to many illnesses and that a mild fever may help get rid of an infection, therefore medicines are not always needed,” she says.

The general public was urged to contact health professionals including pharmacists if they have concerns.

Read the original article here: https://ajp.com.au/news/ibuprofen-advice/