A new review of medical studies found no clear link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism or hyperactivity disorder — a direct contradiction of President Donald Trump’s recent warning that pregnant women should not take Tylenol. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.
The BMJ Group — the publishing arm of the British Medical Association — reported that nine systematic reviews, which included 40 observational studies, did not show an increased risk of babies developing autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions when their mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy.
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The medical journal article concluded that acetaminophen “is the recommended treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy and is considered safe by regulatory agencies worldwide.”
Method of reviewing existing studies
The researchers assessed each previous review and rated the confidence in each as high, moderate, low or critically low. It found low or critically low confidence in studies claiming a possible strong association between acetaminophen and childhood disorders.
The group also found those specific studies did not adjust for other possibilities, such as genetics, environmental factors and maternal factors. It said that “erroneous conclusions” could arise as a result.
Researchers for BMJ concluded that the studies lack “robust evidence” linking the use of the painkiller during pregnancy with autism and ADHD in babies.
It also suggested that further study is needed, taking into account family genetics and “unmeasured cofounders” to better inform evidence on the timing and duration of acetaminophen use in relation to other neurodevelopmental outcomes.
President’s comments on Tylenol
Trump announced in September that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would update the labeling for acetaminophen, warning of risks to pregnant women of taking it. The FDA reportedly went so far as to send advice to doctors about a possible link between acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism.
“Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump advised pregnant women. “There’s no downside. Don’t take it.“
He cited no scientific evidence, but said he was offering common-sense advice.
