Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs do not Worsen COVID-19 Outcomes

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, does not lead to higher rates of death or severe disease in patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19, according to a new observational study of more than 78,000 people in the United Kingdom published in The Lancet Rheumatology journal on May 7, 2021.

NSAIDs are common treatments for acute pain and rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a clinical debate on whether the use of such drugs increased the severity of COVID-19.

These researchers concluded the study by saying 'NSAID use is not associated with higher mortality or increased severity of COVID-19. Therefore, policymakers should consider reviewing issued advice around NSAID prescribing and COVID-19 severity.'

Prof Ewen Harrison, of the University of Edinburgh and lead author of the study, said, We now have clear evidence that NSAIDs are safe to use in patients with COVID-19, which should provide reassurance to both clinicians and patients that they can continue to be used in the same way as before the pandemic began."