As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease swept the globe, anecdotal reports of a potential exacerbating effect of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and aspirin, on COVID-19 emerged, leading to some warnings against the use of NSAIDs.

In a study conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden using the COVID Symptom Study app about using NSAIDs, risk factors for COVID-19, and disease symptoms investigated if these agents were associated with increased incidence of negative COVID-19 outcomes.

The results of the study indicate that baseline use of NSAIDs was minimally associated with COVID-19 risk and was non-significant among those cases tested or seeking treatment, suggesting that individuals feeling unwell with COVID-19 symptoms may be more likely to use NSAIDs, particularly non-aspirin NSAIDs, for symptom management prior to seeking testing or treatment. Stay well, mask as appropriate and stay tuned!