The HSE says people with coronavirus can take the medicine
The HSE is advising anyone with coronavirus to continue to take any medication you were already taking unless told not to by a doctor.
This includes anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac.
It's after a screengrab of a WhatsApp message went viral on the app, claiming to be from a 'Dr Tim'.
It claimed people could fall very ill if they kept using the drugs and contracted the virus.
There's a lot of information out there, check with trusted sources. #CoronaIreland https://t.co/yLCm8AxJEY
— SPIN 1038 (@spin1038) March 16, 2020
However, in a statement released this afternoon, the HSE debunked that message.
“Only take one anti-inflammatory medication at a time," says the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry.
"It is okay to take paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen at the same time."
Rumours have circulated over WhatsApp, and we're being reminded that it's not a trusted source of information.
Dr Henry says: "There is no evidence to stop any medication at this time.
"There is no need to order more medicines than you need, as this will affect the supply of medicines to others, and there is no disruption to the supply of medicines.
"If you have respiratory symptoms, do not attend your pharmacy in person."
