UK health officials have moved quickly to dismiss claims by President Trump that paracetamol use in pregnancy causes autism in children.
The president said at a White House press conference that women should avoid the drug, known in the US as Tylenol, linking “pills and vaccines” to rising autism diagnoses.
Trump told reporters that Tylenol was “not good” and advised women to take it only if they had an “extremely high fever that you can’t tough out.”
Experts reacted with alarm, warning that such advice could deter pregnant women from using safe pain relief. They pointed out that untreated fever in pregnancy raises the risk of birth defects and complications.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a rebuttal, saying: “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.”
NHS guidance continues to state: “Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.”
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, added: “Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.”