False: Taking Advil (ibuprofen) can worsen COVID-19 symptoms.

By: Aswathi K
May 8 2020

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There is no proven evidence to confirm that taking Advil (ibuprofen) could make COVID-19 symptoms worse. A message circulated on social media states that taking ibuprofen (marketed by GlaxoSmithKline company in the name as Advil) would increase the symptoms of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence of severe negative effects or acute health problems occurring in COVID-19 patients as the result of usage of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, and naproxen). WHO tweeted that it is aware of concerns on the use of ibuprofen in COVID-19 patients, but WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen based on currently available information. European Medicines Agency clarifies that there is no scientific evidence to link ibuprofen worsening symptoms of COVID-19 as of 18 March 2020. EMA also says that patients and healthcare professionals should consider all available treatment options for COVID-19 including paracetamol and NSAIDs. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.