Hong Hye-gul on Tylenol Stockpiling: "It's Just Symptomatic Treatment... No Therapeutic Effect"

Published 19 Mar.2020 14:40(KST)

Hong Hye-gul, medical specialist reporter. Photo by Hong Hye-gul, medical specialist reporter, Facebook capture.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Dr. Hong Hye-gul, a medical doctor and broadcaster who is the head of the medical channel 'Biondwi,' expressed concerns regarding the hoarding of the pain reliever and fever reducer Tylenol.

On the 19th, Hong posted on his Facebook, addressing the WHO (World Health Organization) recommendation that it is safe for COVID-19 patients or those with suspected symptoms to take Tylenol, stating, "Tylenol is only symptomatic treatment and has no therapeutic effect against the virus."

He said, "Tylenol is going in the wrong direction again. People seem to think it is good for COVID-19 and are hoarding it. That should not happen."

He explained, "At this time, people may suffer from fever due to other illnesses like colds or the flu, which could also be COVID-19, so it is preferable to take Tylenol. However, if you can endure the fever or pain while waiting at home, you do not necessarily have to take it."

He added, "Although the causal relationship proving that Tylenol is safer than other anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or steroids has not been fully verified, there are clinical results during this period that cannot be disregarded. That is why the French Minister of Health’s tweet, which first revealed this, was reported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, and was later acknowledged by the WHO."

Hong said, "I believe it is our duty to consider and share any method that might help, even if only 1%, based on current knowledge. Please do not attack personally or dismiss opinions simply because they do not align with your ideological stance. If that happens, experts will remain silent."