Acute use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in people with or at risk of COVID-19
This document sets out the clinical policy for the acute use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in people with or at risk of COVID-19. Long-term use of NSAIDs is outside of the scope of this policy, with the intention to undertake a separate review.
Source:
NHS England
SPS commentary:
NICE has published a rapid evidence summary (ES23) on the acute use of NSAIDs for people with or at risk of COVID-19. A literature search elucidated no references deemed suitable for review, and the summary concludes that there is currently no evidence from published scientific studies to determine whether acute use of NSAIDs is related to increased risk of developing COVID-19 or increased risk of a more severe illness. Although the available evidence suggests that NSAIDs can reduce acute symptoms (such as fever), they may either have no effect on, or worsen, long-term outcomes, possibly by masking symptoms of worsening acute respiratory tract infection. Further evidence is needed to confirm this, and to determine whether these results also apply to infections such as COVID-19.