Ibuprofen tablets
(Photo : Flickr)

A French public health official sparked alarm among many after tweeting a warning against using ibuprofen on coronavirus patients.

The tweet caused many to fear the drug against common pain and fever as the world is hit with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also issued a warning Thursday, saying they do not recommend the use of ibuprofen on coronavirus patients.

Ibruprofen was previously linked to the worsening of respiratory infections, according to a study. The NHS urged the public to choose paracetamol over ibuprofen until more concrete evidence stating its benefits to COVID-19 patients is published.

Ibuprofen is a known anti-inflammatory drug that helps bring the temperature down and aid those suffering from flu-like symptoms. It has drastic side effects that make it unsuitable for people with asthma, cardiovascular problems, and circulatory problems.

Other experts believe the anti-inflammatory drug can "dampen" the immune response, which can lead to worsening respiratory conditions or other complications.

Myths

Social media platforms were flooded with rumors claiming ibuprofen caused severe cases COVID-19. The tweet also said the drug also worsened the conditions of "young and middle-aged adults" who had no underlying conditions before the coronavirus infection.

Twitter and Facebook users have adapted the copy-and-paste method, which sparked panic on other users. Posts vary, with some claiming they have "a doctor in the family" who received vital information from a lab in Vienna.

Some posts also claimed, "many COVID-19 patients who died had ibuprofen in their system."

Also read:

Important Facts You Should Know About the Global Pandemic Coronavirus

Running Out Of Ventilators: Experts Say the US Could Be The Next Italy

COVID-19 Treatment Update: 1940s Malaria Pill Shows Promising Results

The online rumor also spread on WhatsApp. The messages typically claimed a young mother saying the Vienna lab found evidence the majority of dead coronavirus victims had previously self-medicated with ibuprofen.

A lack of clear consensus from medical professionals has led to the rumors taking a life on its own.

Experts urge everyone to take caution as there is no strong evidence suggesting ibuprofen causes more damage or otherwise.

Health officials also recommend using paracetamol or acetaminophen instead.


WHO Backpedals

The World Health Organization withdrew its warning on ibuprofen in a tweet.

The federal health agency said it is consulting health experts and is unaware of reports stating any negative effects the drug has on coronavirus patients besides the usual side effects.

They also said they do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen based on available information.

Te director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Antony Fauci, also addressed the rumors in a video saying there is no firm data that indicates the drug causes more problems for coronavirus patients.

The issue was also highlighted in a release from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Wednesday. The agency said it will closely monitor and review any information on ibuprofen usage in COVID-19 patients.

Final Verdict

There is not enough evidence supporting the claim that ibuprofen makes coronavirus symptoms worse. However, there is also insufficient evidence the suggests otherwise.

Health officials urge everyone to be skeptical of reports and social media posts on the matter. It is also advised to consult doctors and physicians as anti-inflammatory drugs have potential side effects. Healthcare workers can also provide better guidance on whether you should take any medication at all.