President Donald Trump recently announced that U.S. doctors will soon receive guidance advising against the prescription of Tylenol, known as acetaminophen, for pregnant women due to a controversial link between the drug and autism. This announcement was made in the Oval Office and included Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump stated that Tylenol “is no good” and should only be used in cases of severe fever.
While some studies suggest a potential association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism risk, the findings remain inconsistent and inconclusive. Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, has defended the drug’s safety for pregnant women, asserting that independent scientific research shows no link between acetaminophen and autism. The company stresses that mothers face risks without this pain reliever, as alternatives may be riskier.
During the announcement, RFK Jr. indicated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would initiate a change in the drug’s packaging labels to reflect these risks. A public health campaign is also planned to increase awareness.
Experts have cautioned that understanding autism, a complex syndrome, will not be straightforward. While many researchers agree that autism arises from a mix of genetic and environmental factors, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology considers Tylenol one of the only safe pain relief options during pregnancy. They emphasize a lack of clear evidence connecting the appropriate use of the drug with fetal development issues.
A review published by Harvard researchers in August indicated a potential link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and the development of autism and ADHD in children. However, a more recent 2024 study found no correlation between acetaminophen exposure and autism, asserting that there is no robust evidence to suggest a causal relationship. Autism diagnoses have risen sharply since 2000, which some scientists attribute to greater awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx20d4lr67lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss