Changing advice on the use of ibuprofen for managing symptoms with covid-19
Dear Editor
Public health advice is rapidly evolving in light of COVID-19, which brings challenges to communicating updated health information that changes on a daily basis. Following the BMJ's article that ibuprofen should not be used for managing symptoms of covid-19 several developments have occurred.
First, the European Medicines Agency has given advice on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for covid-19 stating there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID‑19.[1]
Second, the World Health Organisation has changed its position and now does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.[2]
The BMJ should strongly consider communicating this new information also to ensure health care professionals are informed of the most current advice.
Rapid Response:
Changing advice on the use of ibuprofen for managing symptoms with covid-19
Dear Editor
Public health advice is rapidly evolving in light of COVID-19, which brings challenges to communicating updated health information that changes on a daily basis. Following the BMJ's article that ibuprofen should not be used for managing symptoms of covid-19 several developments have occurred.
First, the European Medicines Agency has given advice on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for covid-19 stating there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID‑19.[1]
Second, the World Health Organisation has changed its position and now does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.[2]
The BMJ should strongly consider communicating this new information also to ensure health care professionals are informed of the most current advice.
1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/ema-gives-advice-use-non-steroidal-ant...
2. https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1240409217997189128
Competing interests: No competing interests