Submitted by Headache Scientific Panel
Authors: Antoinette MaassenVanDenBrink, Tessa de Vries & A. H. Jan Danser
The subject of this article is an expert opinion on what we should do about renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors and ibuprofen prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is based on the hypothesis that RAS blockers and the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen, upregulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, the receptor which facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry. The authors conclude that there is no convincing evidence currently that either RAS blockers or ibuprofen facilitate or worsen SARS-CoV-2 infection in any type of patient, including headache patients and so there is no need to alter prescriptions of these drugs, which are important for headache management.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01106-5