Ibuprofen usage does not increase the risk of death from Covid-19, new study concludes

Ibuprofen does not increase the risk of death from Covid-19, a new study has concluded, following controversy over its use earlier in the pandemic.

The UK opted not to prescribe the common painkiller after a number of high-profile suggestions that it could worsen virus symptoms.

In March, French health minister Oliver Véran said ibuprofen and cortisone “could be a factor of aggravation of the infection”.

Mr Véran told anyone taking the anti-inflammatory drug to ask their doctor for advice, and said anyone experiencing fever symptoms should take paracetamol.

This was followed by British Government guidance that was in place for a month and urged patients against using ibuprofen if symptomatic.

But the new study, which has been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that regular usage of painkillers including ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac does not increase the risk of death.

The study used data from eight British hospitals during the height of the pandemic and examined data from 1,200 patients, concluding  there was no clear evidence that non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - including ibuprofen - were linked to higher Covid-19 mortality.

The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Cardiff University and King’s College London, who noted the death rate was similar among all patients, regardless of NSAIDs usage.

The Government issued updated advice in April, confirming it is safe for the public to take the painkiller if experiencing symptoms and “self-medicating”.

This advice was approved by NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

A separate study is underway to determine whether a specific formation of ibuprofen could prevent some of the problems linked to Covid-19.

It is hoped a specific formation of the drug could reduce severe respiratory illness among hospital patients.