EMA Says Continue Using Hypertension, Heart, and Kidney Meds During Pandemic

The European Medicines Agency said there is no evidence, despite claims via social media, that taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) worsens COVID-19 symptoms.

The agency said that patients who take the drugs — commonly for high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease — should continue to take them and that there is no need to switch treatments.

The EMA said it is monitoring the situation closely and studying the effects of the medicines in individuals with COVID-19.