France warns against use of anti-inflammatory drugs to tackle coronavirus
Source: Reuters
PARIS, March 14 (Reuters) - France's health minister on Saturday said people should not use anti-inflammatory drugs if they have coronavirus-like symptoms because it could worsen their condition.
"Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone ...) could be an aggravating factor for the infection. If you have a fever, take paracetamol," Oliver Veran said on Twitter.
President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday school closures and urged people to avoid close contact for fear of propagating the virus that has killed 79 people in France and infected more than 3,600. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Read more: https://news.trust.org/item/20200314135010-a6ijh/
Paracetamol is another name for Acetaminophen
Squinch
(50,950 posts)and NSAIDs to keep fever down.
Now I am confused! DU doctors: which is it?
deurbano
(2,895 posts)Native
(5,942 posts)everything I've seen thus far from credible sources outside of the U.S. has come to be accepted in the U.S. several days after the fact. That doesn't mean that France has it right and we have it wrong, but we've consistently been wrong on just about everything so far, so a rational person might want to consider that when deciding what they should do.
Squinch
(50,950 posts)started. Thanks for the info.
Maxheader
(4,373 posts)They are finding problems with it...kidneys..
csziggy
(34,136 posts)And told me to not take acetaminophen or naproxen. He said ibuprofen was easier on the kidney I have left.
BlueIdaho
(13,582 posts)Generic vs Brand Name. Just FYI.
Cirque du So-What
(25,940 posts)Its little things like that.
Native
(5,942 posts)Cirque du So-What
(25,940 posts)I have been laboring under a misconception for many years.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Wishing you a speedy delivery.
Cirque du So-What
(25,940 posts)and brought forth a mouse.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)ancianita
(36,060 posts)SansACause
(520 posts)The French must use a different name for it.
ancianita
(36,060 posts)luvtheGWN
(1,336 posts)Duppers
(28,125 posts)Which differs from aspirin.
reduces inflammation whereas acetaminophen does not. I know because I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 50 plus years and it was drilled into my head many years ago.
Duppers
(28,125 posts)It's important that folks know the big difference in pain relief and anti-inflammatory meds.
My dog also has arthritis. I take my nightly dose of daily aspirin with her sans the weiner.
Layzeebeaver
(1,624 posts)Paracetamol is Tylenol
Aristus
(66,380 posts)It doesn't have the anti-inflammatory property of ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.
hlthe2b
(102,283 posts)so just a little bit of caution here. Despite their decades-long advertising campaign designed to suggest otherwise, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not without risk and should be used with similar caution to other OTC pain medications.
I'm not sure this advice is without controversy nor based as of yet, on firm evidence. Granted we are learning as we go. In some patients, there is evidence of cytokine storm, a sign of a "hyper-immune" systemic reaction (in the most seriously affected patients with pneumonia and rapid downward spiral--suggesting they may actually be indications for steroids to DIMINISH the body's immune and inflammatory response).
Still, I think it wise to be cautious with both NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, aspirin--even more caution due to Reye Syndrome for Children) and tylenol (acetaminophen). Moderation. More is not better.
AnotherMother4Peace
(4,246 posts)I have a high risk household, & am making every effort to take precautions. We've always taken just plain aspirin, and it's always worked just fine: simple: take with food, every 4 hours. - Don't over do it because of the blood thinning qualities.
So just on this bit of info I've tacked Tylenol onto an order that will be arriving (hopefully) on Tuesday morning. My local Vons usually delivers next day, but now it's about a week.
Native
(5,942 posts)temp do what it can and not take anything unless the fever gets high. But you know how people pop pills the minute they feel a twinge or their temp gets to 99 degrees. I'm glad they are at least warning people of complications that can arise based on their experience in treating this clever virus. Here in the U.S. we get charts that are scripted for 6-year-olds. The giant board chart from yesterday's Rose Garden debacle was completely inane. I'm still not over that.
hlthe2b
(102,283 posts)AnotherMother4Peace
(4,246 posts)the safest fever reducer for members of my household. That and other ways to reduce fever: cool towel, loosen clothing, etc.
at140
(6,110 posts)at140
(6,110 posts)Fever is a natural response by the body in attempt to kill the infection.
It is like bringing summer weather inside body.
But excessive fever is dangerous. In any case keep well hydrated.
Steelrolled
(2,022 posts)So ideally you use drugs like this only when needed. Of course some people don't have a choice.
hlthe2b
(102,283 posts)Aspirin, of course, holds risks for gastric bleeding and for those on blood thinners.
On the other hand, moderate and occasional use of any of these for MOST people can be safe. All in moderation.
at140
(6,110 posts)when indulged in excess. Moderation is the key!
AwakeAtLast
(14,130 posts)Almost lost my Mom when one burst.
at140
(6,110 posts)shanti
(21,675 posts)I bought some Tylenol by mistake last month. It doesn't really work for me on pain, so I usually use Motrin, which works great. Now I'll have the right med if I get sick.
Warpy
(111,267 posts)NSAID drugs, including aspirin, are fever reducing drugs, Cortisone surpresses the immune system but NSAIDs don't, the mechanism is quite different.
The advice to alternate NSAIDs and Tylenol is prebably good, NSAIDs are extremely hard on the kidneys, Tylenol on the liver.
Be aware that every crank is going to be out there dispensing advice, much of it bad. Run everything by your doctor if you are ill.
Joinfortmill
(14,427 posts)pnwmom
(108,980 posts)LiberalArkie
(15,716 posts)Mendocino
(7,495 posts)Excessive drinking, 3+ drinks daily is very hard on the liver. Many doctors recommend no drinking at all if taking it.
Duppers
(28,125 posts)Any sick person should not be drinking anyway.
Aquaria
(1,076 posts)Given that two of the primary ingredients in NyQuil are alcohol and acetaminophen. Not a good combination.
And ZzQuil, or whatever it's called is nothing more than liquid diphenydramine. Or Benadryl as it's more commonly known. You can buy a bottle of 500 diphenydramine pills for less than what Zzquil costs, and it does the same thing.
Chemisse
(30,813 posts)as a strategy against the inflammation caused by an over-reactive immune system, if I should be one of those who becomes seriously ill.
Yes, I know aspirin is a blood thinner, but all the NSAIDS have significant risks. I still prefer aspirin over the alternatives.
I am curious about what scientific information supports this recommendation.
High doses of aspirin are thought to have contributed to the deaths of people in the 1918 influenza, as blood-filled lungs were detected in autopsies. In those days there were not recommendations for dosage and people took quite high amounts of it in the hopes that it would cure the disease.
bobbieinok
(12,858 posts)SansACause
(520 posts)I'm surprised it's even being sold. It can cause stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding.
bobbieinok
(12,858 posts)at140
(6,110 posts)SansACause
(520 posts)Low dose aspirin therapy has been around for a while, but it's being rethought due to stomach bleeding issues.
[link:https://www.statnews.com/2019/07/22/study-millions-should-stop-using-aspirin-for-heart-health/|
rzemanfl
(29,565 posts)it might become the next toilet paper when I bought some.
moonscape
(4,673 posts)alternating ibuprofen/acetaminophen idea forthwith.
Also, it explains why those with hypertension might be showing higher vulnerability. Lisinopril, etc.
https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanres/PIIS2213-2600(20)30116-8.pdf
edit: can't figure out how to fix the link, will have to copy/paste
moonscape
(4,673 posts)anti-inflammatory meds necessarily as it called out only ibuprofen specifically, but the science loses me.
Hypertension is also treated with ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which results in an upregulation of ACE2.5 ACE2 can also be increased by thiazolidinediones and ibuprofen.
It's a hypothesis, re risk of ACE2-increasing drugs as CV attaches to cells via the ACE2 enzyme.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,320 posts)Currently there is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. However, similar to treatment of any viral infection, these measures can help:
While you don't need to stay in bed, you should get plenty of rest.
Stay well hydrated.
Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to reduce fever and ease aches and pains. Be sure to follow directions. If you are taking any combination cold or flu medicine, keep track of all the ingredients and the doses. For acetaminophen, the total daily dose from all products should not exceed 3,000 milligrams.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center
Native
(5,942 posts)A couple of days ago the EU's CDC (ECDC) specified that you could only get sick from someone showing symptoms. A day or so ago, Singapore and China said respectively that 2/3 and 3/4 of those infected became infected by people who were asymptomatic. Those numbers are being kicked around by a couple of other countries to help verify them, but even if those estimates are grossly inflated, that's a heck of a lot of people picking up the virus from people who aren't showing symptoms.
Bottom line - the info changes constantly as experts learn more. All we can do is sift through it all, ignore what Trump is saying, and rely on what appears to be sound information - information that hasn't been coming from the U.S.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,320 posts)The health ministry added that patients should choose paracetamol because it will reduce the fever without counterattacking the inflammation.
French patients have been forced to consult pharmacies since mid-January if they want to buy popular painkillers, including ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin, to be reminded of the risks.
Jean-Louis Montastruc, the head of pharmacology at Toulouse hospital, told RTL radio: Anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of complications when there is a fever or infection.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/14/anti-inflammatory-drugs-may-aggravate-coronavirus-infection
But, more information from outside the USA:
...
drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help with your symptoms
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
Native
(5,942 posts)impairing antibody production to certain infections. Thanks for your post. Good info.
cstanleytech
(26,293 posts)both acetaminophen and aspirin together.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,320 posts)cstanleytech
(26,293 posts)flu.
at140
(6,110 posts)because it is a blood thinner. I take coated low dose aspirin weekly
but usually with food.
cstanleytech
(26,293 posts)can mess with the liver or stomach as I do not need anymore complications by adding more problems on top of it.
Texin
(2,596 posts)It is contraindicated for persons with any kind of liver complications/disease, and if a person drinks alcohol routinely.
I've seen alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen. And just a person tidbit, Aleve, i.e. Naproxin can wreak havoc with eyesight after a couple of days.
Chainfire
(17,542 posts)They taught us that Aspirin was the wonder drug. Maybe it's time has come again.....
(if you want to take medical advice from a plumber)
Pachamama
(16,887 posts)It is on the WHO list of essential drugs.
It is an important blood thinner and saves lives.
This thread is irritating me because people are not Doctors and making comments that just arent factual.
at140
(6,110 posts)BER = not beer, it is Before Exercise Routine began in my life.
ooky
(8,923 posts)I take an anti-inflammation drug to manage inflammation from osteo-arthritis. I may need to stop using it if I develop this virus. If I hadn't read it here I might have missed that important information.
That's one of the big things I really love about this site and the people that share so much helpful information here.
roamer65
(36,745 posts)Especially aspirin. Not the best choice when you have possible hemorrhagic viral pneumonia.
Aspirin was not a big help in the 1918-1920 epidemic.