Concern about the role of NSAIDs during COVID-19 pandemic

Patients who have pain or chronic inflammation because of neuropathy and osteoarthritis are prescribed long-term NSAIDs (Idarac, Voltaren, Mobic). The medicine helps reduce pain symptoms of patients so that they can maintain a normal life. 

Concern about the role of NSAIDs in COVID-19 pandemic

When the outbreak of COVID-19 happened in France, some Doctors commented that several patients who had severe complications used NSAIDs. Even the French Minister of Health posted on twitter about his concerns for those who were undergoing chronic treatment.  Afterward, Doctor and Pharmacy Experts researched the relation between NSAIDs and severe complications of COVID-19 in the United States, England, France. 

At the moment, the Medical Association in the world concludes that there is no evidence and does not recommend stopping using NSAIDs. It is critical for people who are in treatment. Since stopping using NSAIDs suddenly flare-ups of symptoms and exacerbations of inflammation which affects the quality of life. 

More follow-up time is required to conclude that complications of COVID-19 infection are associated with NSAIDs, or only in the elderly (chronic inflammatory pain already present and long-term taking medication). 

Expert’s advice: 

To patients who are using NSAIDs:

• Prohibit to stop using by yourself 
• Ask the doctor if you concern

To new patients who have pain symptom (joint pain, headache, back hurt, etc) or inflammatory disease (arthritis, tendinitis)

• Ask the doctor for the advantage and disadvantage of using NSAIDs
• Ask the doctor whether or not you can replace NSAIDs by other safer medicine (like Paracetamol) 

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Author: MS. Dr. Nguyen Anh Dat 

Specialization in General Internal Medicine, Neurology, CarePlus International Clinics.

Over 24 years of Pain Treatment Department of Ho Chi Minh City Trung Vuong Hospital, Practice of Pain Assessment and Treatment at Saint Antoine Hospital, Paris;