Can Naproxen worsen COVID-19 symptoms?
Question posted by RomanMerkulov on 17 March 2020
Last updated on 18 March 2020 by masso
This question has also been asked and answered here: Can you take Ibuprofen if you have COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
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Answers
"According to French Health Minister Olivier Veran, consumers shouldn't be rushing out to buy anti-inflammatory drugs in the hopes of minimizing the possible symptoms of COVID-19. Veran said that drugs like ibuprofen and cortisone could be "aggravating factors" and make the symptoms of the illness even worse. Popular NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Veran suggested using acetaminophen (aka, Tylenol) -- which is not an NSAID -- to treat fevers. However, there are no specific recommendations from the World Health Organization yet as to which medicines to take to treat COVID-19 or its symptoms. The WHO has noted that taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen "may mask symptoms of infection."
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Further information
- Naproxen uses and safety info
- Naproxen prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Naproxen (detailed)
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