The FDA has announced that they will add warning labels to Tylenol due to accumulated evidence suggesting a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. However, the medical and scientific communities have countered these claims, stating there is no scientific basis for them.
President Donald Trump raised concerns about Tylenol increasing autism risk in pregnant women, urging limited use unless medically necessary, citing a significant rise in autism rates since 2000. Despite this, Tylenol remains a widely used pain reliever and is considered the only viable option for pregnant women dealing with high fever or pain.
The FDA acknowledges the reported links but clarifies that causation has not been proven and opposing research results exist. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other scholars have reiterated Tylenol’s safety for pregnant women, citing a lack of strong scientific evidence for these claims.
Studies published in journals such as JAMA have shown mixed results regarding acetaminophen use and autism connection, but experts emphasize the need for replicated findings to establish reliable scientific conclusions. Some suggest rising autism rates may be due to broader diagnostic criteria and external factors rather than medication use.
The scientific discussion emphasizes the importance of not overreacting to unsubstantiated claims, as it could adversely impact public health. Both the Korean Ministry and Johnson & Johnson have responded to inquiries, asserting that numerous studies and expert endorsements have confirmed the drug’s safety. They warn that ignoring severe symptoms like high fever could pose greater risks to pregnant women and their unborn children than the perceived risks associated with acetaminophen use.