Reaction continues to pour in following the Trump administration’s recent press conference on autism. Administration officials claimed there is a link between the condition and Tylenol use.
Increase in inquiries
While there is no scientific evidence behind the administration’s claims, it has caused an increase in the number of expectant mothers asking questions about using the drug.
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) told Straight Arrow News they have seen an increase in those questions.
“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians, but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy,” Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG and ACOG President, said in a statement.
Scientific evidence
The science community has pointed to numerous studies over decades that have found no link between Tylenol’s active ingredient acetaminophen and autism.
That includes a recent JAMA study of 2.5 million children, which “found no evidence of increased risk of autism.”
“[The] announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children,” Fleischman said. “It is highly unsettling that our federal health agencies are willing to make an announcement that will affect the health and well-being of millions of people without the backing of reliable data.”
Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue, shared a similar sentiment.
“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” a Kenvue spokesperson told Straight Arrow News. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents.”
Tylenol is commonly used to reduce fever, which is important for pregnant women because high fever can have serious impacts on a fetus.
“Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby, or use riskier alternatives.”
Trump’s claims
The president repeatedly said, “Don’t take Tylenol” during Monday’s announcement.
That was followed by the FDA announcing new warning labels noting a “possible association” between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism.
“Don’t take Tylenol, don’t take it,” Trump said during the press conference. “Fight like hell not to take it.”
Trump also claimed there was “no downside” to avoiding the drug unless there was high fever or pain was intolerable.
