European Medicines Agency dismisses social media claims about anti-inflammatories

"There is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of Covid‑19."

The European Medicines Agency has poured cold water over social media claims that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could worsen the effects of Covid-19. It said it's aware of the messages circulating on social media and messaging apps but said there is "no scientific evidence" to back up the claims. The EMA stated it is monitoring the situation closely and will review any new information that becomes available on this issue in the context of the pandemic. "When starting treatment for fever or pain in Covid-19, patients and healthcare professionals should consider all available treatment options including paracetamol and NSAIDs," the EMA said in a statement. "Each medicine has its own benefits and risks which are reflected in its product information and which should be considered along with EU national treatment guidelines, most of which recommend paracetamol as a first treatment option for fever or pain." The HSE similarly advised people on Monday that anyone with Covid-19 should stay taking their medication, including NSAIDs, unless they are told not to by a healthcare professional. The advice comes after illegitimate messages circulated on WhatsApp purporting to be from health officials from Cork, France and other countries telling people to stop taking anti-inflammatories (NSAID) - such as ibuprofen - as the message alleged the medications affected a person's immune response to Covid-19. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned people to only trust information from reputable sources and to follow the advice of healthcare professionals.