Ibuprofen drugs can increase the risk of serious bacterial infection because it hides in particular symptoms such as pain and fever.
- The ANSM recommends taking paracetamol rather than ibuprofen or ketoprofen in case of pain or fever.
- These two drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- They are accused of increasing the severity of bacterial infections, especially because they mask the symptoms and delay the diagnosis and care of the patient.
In case of fever or pain, it is better to take paracetamol than ibuprofen or ketoprofen, recommends for a few years The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). These two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) would be harmful to users.
A link between taking ibuprofen and serious bacterial infections
First of all, the French network of regional pharmacovigilance centers (RFCRPV) establishes a link between the increase in the severity of cases of bacterial infections and taking ibuprofen. Indeed, according to a press releasebetween January 2019 and June 2023, “Severe bacterial infections represent a very important part of the serious side effects declared with ibuprofen (21%)”.
In detail, these 21 % represented 162 cases of bacterial infection, according to the ANSM report. The main and most serious – septicemia, pneumopathies, meningitis, etc. – led to the death of 9 people (5 children and 4 young adults), 24 for whom the vital forecast was engaged and 3 who keep consequences.
But why do NSAIDs increase the severity of certain infections? The ANSM replies that “Ibuprofen and ketoprofen can mask symptoms such as fever or pain and therefore lead to a delay in diagnostic and patient care. This may result in a risk of serious infection complications”.
Ibuprofen reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics
Annie Jonville-Bera, head of the center of Center-Val de Loire pharmacovigilance, indicates to theUFC-Que Choisir that “A second hypothesis exists in favor of a direct effect of ibuprofen which would amplify the diffusion of bacteria such as streptococci”. This hypothesis – because it does not consensus in the scientific world – is based on two arguments, demonstrated during experiences on animals:
- Ibuprofen administered at the same time as the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (or streptococcal infections has, at the origin of infections such as meningitis or pleuropneumopathies according to The Pasteur Institute) Increase mortality.
- Ibuprofen reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics given to fight this bacteria.
Since 2022, there has been a Recordscence of invasive streptococcal infections in. In this context, the ANSM therefore recommends taking paracetamol rather than ibuprofen or ketoprofen. On the other hand, for long -term treated patients by a NSAID, the health body advises against its treatment without medical advice.
