Remember: on March 14, 2020, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran advised against taking anti-inflammatory drugs in the event of symptoms in the context of the coronavirus epidemic. Indeed: anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) could be responsible for an aggravation of the viral infection with SARS-Cov-2.
Problem : “in a context of fear, uncertainty or rumour, many patients (with cardiovascular or inflammatory disease) consider discontinuing their treatment“notes the National Academy of Medicine in a press release published this Friday, April 3, 2020.
To reassure patients, specialists therefore go around “safe” drug treatments in this period of epidemic:
- Aspirin: Aspirin®, Aspégic®… At low doses and under medical supervision (for example: in the event of a risk of thrombosis linked to a cardiovascular pathology), aspirin “has no anti-inflammatory action“. Attention: however, it remains prohibited in self-medication!
- ACE inhibitors (IEC) and Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (Sartans): Benazepril®, Captopril®, Enalapril®… Although these drugs enter the body via receptors close to those used by the coronavirus, “according to the first published studies, the severity of the infection is not increased when using these treatments“.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Advil®, Ibupofen®, Nurofen®, Ketoprofen®…”In patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis, NSAIDs may be essential” specifies the National Academy of Medicine. Attention: NSAIDs are however “formally discouraged“in self-medication to treat fever linked to coronavirus infection!
The advice of the National Academy of Medicine? In the absence of medical advice, do not interrupt your treatment if you suffer from cardiovascular disease or inflammatory arthritis. The risk is the development of complications related to the disease: for example, a myocardial infarction!
“Consultation with the attending physician or specialist is essential before considering any change in treatment – with aspirin, ACE inhibitors or sartans, NSAIDs or even cortisone.“In short, we do not take risks with our health…
Good to know : in case of fever and/or pain, the National Academy of Medicine recommends paracetamol, at a rate of 3 grams per day maximum in adults.
Source: press release – National Academy of Medicine
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