Health experts around the world are pushing back against claims made by the Trump administration regarding acetaminophen, commonly found in Tylenol, and its supposed link to autism in children. President Trump stated that the FDA would notify doctors about an increased autism risk associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
However, experts in Europe and Australia disagree. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) declared that there is “no new evidence” that suggests changes are needed to current recommendations on acetaminophen use. Steffen Thirstrup, EMA’s chief medical officer, emphasized that the drug continues to be a safe option for treating pain or fever in pregnant women.
Similarly, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency reaffirmed that acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy. Dr. Alison Cave, the agency’s chief safety officer, echoed this sentiment, stating there’s no evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration took a strong stance too, asserting that numerous large studies show no connection between acetaminophen use and developmental disorders like autism or ADHD. Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, criticized Trump for spreading misinformation, referencing his past controversial statements about injecting bleach as a COVID-19 treatment.
A representative from the World Health Organization noted that evidence linking acetaminophen to autism remains inconsistent.
Research backs the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy. A significant study published in a major medical journal tracked nearly 2.5 million children in Sweden over 25 years. It concluded that using acetaminophen during pregnancy did not raise the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
In the U.S., the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also weighed in, stating there’s “no clear evidence” supporting the autism claims. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, representing major over-the-counter medication manufacturers, stressed that safety is a top priority and that decades of research support the safe use of acetaminophen.
The Autism Science Foundation added that any alleged connection between acetaminophen and autism is based on “limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science.”
In a world still grappling with misinformation, understanding the facts can help expectant mothers make informed choices about their health. Balancing credible sources of information is crucial amidst growing social media discussions around health topics.
For more insight, check out the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization on this topic.
Source link
Trump Administration, Autism
