Frequently Asked Questions About Advil, Ibuprofen and COVID-19

I recently read an article that said you shouldn’t take ibuprofen/Advil if you have coronavirus (COVID-19), is this true?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID-19. We recommend you speak with your healthcare providers if you have any questions about the appropriate treatment for your unique individual needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions.

Will taking ibuprofen/Advil mask the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Ibuprofen, as well some other OTC analgesics may reduce fever due to their anti-pyretic properties. We advise you should speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual treatment needs.

Will taking ibuprofen/Advil worsen the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Research has been ongoing and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID-19.

When asked if Advil makes COVID-19 symptoms worse, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responded, “no.” Read the full Aug. 13 article here: ABC News: Matthew McConaughey grills Dr. Anthony Fauci in Instagram interview on COVID-19.

We advise you speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual treatment needs.

Should I stop taking ibuprofen/Advil?

At this time, the CDC and WHO among other health agencies do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. Consumer safety is our number one priority, and we will continue to update this website with the latest information as it’s made available. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about the best treatment for your unique needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions.,

Ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely for many years as a fever and pain reducer. Our ibuprofen products are effectively used by millions of consumers across 40 markets and have been available as over-the-counter medicines for more than 35 years. All medicines are strictly regulated to ensure they comply with local healthcare authority requirements.

What are GSK’s guidelines are regarding the use of Advil in patients with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19)?

We recommend you speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the best treatment for your individual needs when seeking to prevent or manage symptoms or conditions. At this time, the CDC and WHO among other health agencies do not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.

Is ibuprofen/Advil a medicine that can increase the risk of getting coronavirus (COVID-19)?

No, ibuprofen does not increase your risk of getting coronavirus (COVID-19).

As a leader in the OTC pain category, GSK Consumer Healthcare is committed to consumer safety, and we are constantly re-evaluating the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation alongside public health authorities. Based on currently available information, The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and worsening of COVID 19.

Consumer safety is our number one priority. Ibuprofen is a well-established medicine that has been used safely for many years as a fever and pain reducer. Our ibuprofen products are effectively used by millions of consumers across 40 markets and have been available as over-the-counter medicines for more than 35 years. All medicines are strictly regulated to ensure they comply with local healthcare authority requirements.

What are health agencies saying about the safety of ibuprofen/Advil?

GSK continues to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation alongside public health authorities, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), and medical experts. None of these agencies currently recommend that individuals should stop taking ibuprofen/Advil.

What is GSK’s position regarding the use of Ibuprofen/Advil to help treat the symptoms of COVID-19?

Ibuprofen is listed as an essential medicine in the WHO guidelines for treating pain and fever associated with mild COVID-19. (Clinical Management of COVID-19 Interim Guidance). The CDC, FDA and NIH continue to acknowledge the lack of scientific evidence connecting ibuprofen with worsening COVID-19. As always, we advise people speak directly with their doctor or healthcare provider regarding individual treatment needs.

What are health agencies saying about the use of Ibuprofen/Advil to treat COVID-19 symptoms?

Health agencies, medical experts, and other global public health authorities have already acknowledged the lack of scientific evidence that NSAIDs worsen COVID-19 symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA)).

Has GSK’s statement regarding the use of ibuprofen/Advil in patients with suspected COVID-19 changed?

No, ibuprofen/Advil can be used safely and effectively to relieve pain and reduce fever in COVID-19 patients based on the growing body of evidence and general medical consensus.*

*When used as directed

Can I take ibuprofen/Advil if I am experiencing mild aches and pain following a COVID-19 vaccination?

The CDC recommends talking to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, for possible pain or discomfort from a COVID-19 vaccination.

Advil, Ibuprofen and COVID-19 FAQs