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Health officials: No evidence Ibuprofen is dangerous to coronavirus patients

Anjalee Khemlani
·Senior Reporter
Updated ·3-min read

On March 14, France’s health minister created a stir after suggesting that Ibuprofen could be dangerous for COVID-19 patients, and paracetamol, similar to acetaminophen used in the U.S., should be used instead.

This news came from anecdotal cases of complications among young patients that had used ibuprofen.

As a result, in some regions of the world, acetaminophen was low on stock following the health minister’s tweet.

It continues to be, according to Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) which produces acetaminophen under the brand Tylenol.

“We are experiencing record high demand for Tylenol, and despite our producing and shipping product at historic highs, we are experiencing a temporary shortage in some regions in the US. We are committed to maintaining our increased production, including running lines up to 24/7 to maximize supply. In addition to maximizing production, we are working to ensure Tylenol reaches as many people as possible including retail partners, doctors’ offices and hospitals. We are partnering with retailers to encourage purchase limits on Tylenol products and have built a supply strategy to ensure greater access to consumers and hospitals impacted by COVID-19,” the company said in a statement to Yahoo Finance.

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Since then, a number of health officials have debunked the claim, saying that while they are watching and investigating such incidents, they are unaware of any evidence that proves the claims true.

Both the World Health Organization and the FDA addressed the issue, saying there is no evidence to prove whether such concerns are valid.

The FDA also recommended contacting a health care provider for more information, but noted that “the agency is investigating this issue further and will communicate publicly when more information is available. However, all prescription [drug] labels warn that ‘the pharmacological activity of NSAIDs in reducing inflammation, and possibly fever, may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting infections.’”

In the U.S., ibuprofen is found in brands Advil and Motrin, while acetaminophen is found in Tylenol. Both Tylenol and Motrin are produced by Johnson & Johnson, and Advil is produced by Glaxo-Smith Kline (GSK).

Both companies declined to share if sales had been affected by these reports, but did provide responses to Yahoo Finance.

GSK said there has been lots of mixed information about the effect of ibuprofen on the virus, but that ibuprofen is safe as a fever-reducer and pain reliever but people should consult with their doctors or health providers.

“As a science-led company, we turn to reputable public health authorities and medical experts, like the FDA and WHO, to provide factual information and guidance. GSK is not aware of any scientific evidence that directly links worse outcomes in patients suffering from COVID-19 infection with the use of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories,” they said in a statement to Yahoo Finance.

J&J said it is monitoring the issue and recommends “each person speak to their health-care provider about what treatment option may be right for them.”

Anjalee Khemlani is a reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter: @AnjKhem

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