Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used drugs, and have a wide range of uses. NSAIDs include nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (such as ibuprofen, aspirin (acetylsalicylate), diclofenac, and naproxen), as well as selective COX2 inhibitors (such as celecoxib, rofecoxib, etoricoxib, lumiracoxib, and valecoxib).
Recently concerns have been raised that NSAIDs may be associated with an increased risk of adverse effects when used in patients with acute viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
WHO has conducted review to assess the effects of prior and current use of NSAIDs in patients with acute viral respiratory infections on acute severe adverse events (including mortality, the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute organ failure, and opportunistic infections), on acute health care utilization (including hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, supplemental oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation) as well as on quality of life and long-term survival.
The results were published on Sunday. It states, review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and WHO Global Databas with total of 73 studies were included (28 studies in adults, 46 studies in children, and one study in adults and children).
The report conclude “At present there is no evidence of severe adverse events, acute health care utilization, long-term survival, or quality of life in patients with COVID-19, as a result of the use of NSAIDs.”
Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/the-use-of-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-(nsaids)-in-patients-with-covid-19
