ID: 26571633
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was some concern that ibuprofen could worsen the disease. This concern was based on a study that found that people who took ibuprofen were more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than people who did not take ibuprofen. However, subsequent studies have not found a clear link between ibuprofen use and worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
The current recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that ibuprofen is safe for most people with COVID-19. However, the CDC does recommend that people with certain underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease or heart disease, talk to their doctor before taking ibuprofen.
Here are some of the things to consider when deciding whether or not to take ibuprofen for COVID-19:
- Your individual health history. If you have any underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease or heart disease, talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen.
- The severity of your symptoms. If you have mild symptoms, you may not need to take any medication. If you have more severe symptoms, you may need to take a different medication, such as acetaminophen.
- Your risk of developing complications. If you are at high risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as older adults or people with underlying medical conditions, you may need to take a different medication, such as acetaminophen.
If you are unsure about whether or not to take ibuprofen for COVID-19, talk to your doctor. They can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about ibuprofen and COVID-19:
- Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a normal part of the immune response, but it can also be harmful in some cases.
- Some studies have suggested that NSAIDs may worsen the immune response to COVID-19. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
- If you are taking other medications, such as blood thinners, talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. NSAIDs can interact with other medications and cause side effects.
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of taking ibuprofen before making a decision. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor.