A study has found there is no evidence for or against the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for patients with COVID-19.

The study, led by researchers at King’s College London, also found other types of drugs, such as TNF blockers and JAK inhibitors safe to use.

89 existing studies on other coronavirus strains such as MERS and SARS, as well as the limited literature on COVID-19, were analysed to find out if certain pain medications, steroids, and other drugs used in people already suffering from diseases should be avoided if they catch COVID-19.

Some patients, for example those with cancer, are already given immunosuppressive drugs - therapies that can lower the body’s immune system – or immunostimulant drugs – therapies that boost it. If these patients then catch COVID-19, doctors need to know what medication to stop.

Dr Mieke Van Hemelrijck, a cancer epidemiologist and an author on the paper, said “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging decision making about the treatment of patients who were already critically unwell who have contracted the infection. In parallel, doctors across multiple specialties are making clinical decisions about the appropriate continuation of treatments for patients with chronic illnesses requiring immune suppressive medication.” 

The article has been published in ecancermedicalscience, an open access oncology journal, and is authored by researchers from King’s College London and Guy’s and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London.

There had been some speculation that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen might make things worse for some COVID-19 patients, but the researchers did not find evidence to support this statement.

Other types of drugs such as TNF blockers and JAK inhibitors, used to treat arthritis or other forms of inflammation, were also found to be safe to use. Another class of drug known as anti-interleukin-6 agents is being investigated for helping to fight COVID-19, although there is no conclusive proof yet.

The researchers found that low amounts of prednisolone or tacrolimus therapy may be helpful in treating COVID-19.

Co- author, Dr Sophie Papa, a medical oncologist and immunologist said explained: “Current evidence suggests that low dose prednisolone (a steroid used to treat allergies) and tacrolimus therapy (an immunosuppressive drug given to patients who have had an organ transplant) may have beneficial impact on the course of coronavirus infections, however further investigation is needed”.

As more people catch the disease, researchers will continue to investigate how it interacts with commonly used medications and make further guidance recommendations. More research is needed to understand drug interactions and COVID-19.  Existing and new trials should consider publishing interim analysis in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will ultimately build a better collective understanding of how to protect vulnerable patient populations and treat patients infected with COVID-19.

It is important to note that no medication should be started or stopped without specific instructions from a doctor. If you are unsure about a medication you are taking affecting your ability to fight COVID-19 please consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

Read the article here.

Other ecancer resources on COVID-19 can be found here.