The TGA is advising health professionals that there is no evidence to back up anecdotal reports that ibuprofen may worsen COVID-19 symptoms.

In an advisory statement, the regulator said it had investigated this safety concern and found that “there is currently no published peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support a direct link between use of ibuprofen and more severe infection with COVID-19.”

While continuing to monitor the issue, thee TGA advises health professional to continue using ibuprofen in line with current clinical guidelines, and to report any any observed “any adverse events that suggest a potential link between the use of ibuprofen, or any other medicine, and worse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Last week concerns were raised by the French health minister that ibuprofen may be associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The WHO initially recommended against use of ibuprofen but later issued a clarifying statement saying that it does recommend against using ibuprofen

“We are also consulting with patients treating patients with COVID-19 and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen beyond the usual known side effects,” it said.

The European Medicines Agency also issued a statement saying: “There is currently no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID‑19.”