Pharmacy Learning Centre
Over-the-counter analgesic use and COVID-19
There is no proven scientific evidence preventing the use of either paracetamol or ibuprofen in treating symptoms of COVID-19.
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Important considerations when recommending ibuprofen
- Consider a patient’s individual risk factors, including any history of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal illness or known renal impairment;
- Recommend patients use the lowest effective dose of ibuprofen for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms;
- Patients who have been prescribed NSAIDs as a treatment for a long-term condition, such as arthritis, should be advised to keep taking these medicines as normal;
- Adult patients who take low-dose 75mg aspirin regularly for prevention of heart attacks or for vascular disease should continue to do so;
- Any suspected side effects from a medicine, including those purchased over-the-counter, should be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme.