Barbadians warned to reduce use of NSAIDs

Barbadians are being warned to reduce the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, especially at this time.

The advice has come from Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment, Adrian Forde. Minister Forde, a pharmacist by profession, said while such drugs are very good for pain and can help to reduce fever, it is not advisable for persons suffering from viral illnesses to use them, as they can exacerbate their symptoms. He said this is not only in relation to the coronavirus, but any viral illness.

“My plea to Barbadians, especially the elderly, if they are having signs and symptoms – persistent cough, high fever, breathlessness, tiredness, dizziness or difficulty breathing at this point in time, I would not advise them to be using any of the prominent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” he said.

Among the over-the-counter NSAIDs to avoid he said are Advil and Motrin and he is also recommending that persons consult their physicians about the use of prescription NSAIDs. Such medications include, he said, Naproxen, Celebrex, Voltaren, Cataflam, Arcoxia, Aspirin.

He added, “At this point in time, if you are going to take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor, and you are having signs of coughing, breathlessness, tiredness, dizziness and high fever, my advice is to have close consultations with your doctor before you take any of these products”.

Minister Forde said there are a host of other medicines that can be used for pain and fever. As such, he is suggesting that should persons have pain and fever they can instead use drugs like Acetaminophen, Panadol, Tylex, Panadeine and Co-codamol.

“But again, I am advising all Barbadians to keep in close consultation with their physicians at this point in time. I suspect if we adhere to the Ministry of Health’s warning and regulations that we should not encounter any adverse problems or side effects that can be harmful,” he stated.

Forde, who was speaking recently during a radio programme, also took the opportunity to encourage persons to speak with their physicians about increasing their dosage of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and antioxidants to help boost their immune systems. He also encouraged persons to drink no less than six glasses of water daily and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.

“My appeal today is to build your resistance; it is important in fighting off any infection, not only the COVID, any infection,” he stated.
(JRT)