Anti-inflammatories may aggravate Covid-19, France advises

[catbyte]

Kim Willsher

French minister says patients should take paracetamol [acetaminophen] rather than ibuprofen or cortisone

French authorities have warned that widely used over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the coronavirus.

The country’s health minister, Olivier Véran, who is a qualified doctor and neurologist, tweeted on Saturday: “The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone … ] could be a factor in aggravating the infection. In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.”

Health officials point out that anti-inflammatory drugs are known to be a risk for those with infectious illnesses because they tend to diminish the response of the body’s immune system.

The health ministry added that patients should choose paracetamol – which is known in the US by the generic name acetaminophen and commonly by the brand name Tylenol – because “it will reduce the fever without counterattacking the inflammation”.

snip

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/14/anti-inflammatory-drugs-may-aggravate-coronavirus-infection

[octoberlib]

1. Some nurses on Twitter who are working in the Seattle area said this , too.

Any kind of anti-inflammatory from Advil to corticosteroids seem to make the symptoms worse.

[StarryNite]

2. Good to know!

Thanks for sharing.

[dawg day]

3. Something to remember... tylenol and liquor not good.

A couple tylenol and a couple drinks are probably no problem, but if we take 8 tylenol in the afternoon and 5 drinks in the evening, that could be causing some liver problems.

[Sunriser13]

4. But be aware of liver toxicity!

Many OTC cold, flu, and allergy medications include acetaminophen as part of their compounds. Most Rx pain medications do also, some as much as 750mg (even 1000mg) per tablet ...

The maximum daily dose was reduced a couple of years ago from 4000mg to 3000mg, which sounds like a lot until you start adding up the "overload" from several different products.

Nyquil 650mg per 30ml dosing cup

Extra Strength Tylenol 500mg per tablet

Arthritis Strength Tylenol 650 mg per tablet

Goody powders include acetaminophen as part of their formula as well (but the regular BC doesn't)

Liver failure can be quick and deadly, so be cautious, friends!

[fernlady]

5. NSAIDS a no?

So asprin and naproxen are a no? Those are common otc arthritis pain medications. I wonder if that is part of the issue with higher mortality rates among the elderly? And the joke's on me....tylenol doesn't work for me.

[catbyte]

7. They are a no.

I'm sorry Tylenol doesn't work for you. I'm just the opposite. I develop anaphylactic allergies to drugs I take too much of and I developed one to NSAIDS back in 1994 when I was trying to avoid surgery for tennis elbow. It didn't work, still had surgery, and now I have to avoid everything containing aspirin and every NSAID to the point where I have to carry an Epi-Pen everywhere just in case I accidentally ingest something containing aspirin or willow bark for natural meds. It's a pain in the neck. Literally.

[nolabear]

6. Seriously? I take them daily for joint pain! Should I stop?

I hate this random medical shit.

[catbyte]

8. It looked from the article it's it's only bad if you have the virus. Your body can't fight it

as effectively if you're on NSAIDS because they suppress your immune system. At least that's how I read it.

[nolabear]

9. Yes but they're in my system if I get it.

But after looking into it, it also leaves your system really fast. So that’s comforting.

[Maru Kitteh]

12. I may Celebrex, because there is a certain amount of immune system suppression w/NSAIDs and

I provide direct personal care to elderly veterans. Every day (pretty much). I need to stay well because they are depending on me. And I would prefer to live. There is that too.

[smirkymonkey]

10. I am a big fan of external pain relief and find it more helpful.

I use Salon Pas patches, BioFreeze roll-on, and ice packs for headaches/backaches. I find it more effective and the relief is quicker. I do occasionally use ibuprofen, but could probably do without.

[tanyev]

11. Jeez, I wonder if that includes statins.

Lots of people are on statins.