Trump links Tylenol to autism risk in pregnancy, Experts claims it Safe. [Photo: Reuters/AFP]
US President Donald Trump has caused a stir by saying that using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy might increase the risk of autism in children.
At a press conference and on social media, Trump told pregnant women to avoid the drug “unless absolutely necessary.” He said the FDA will inform doctors that acetaminophen use in pregnancy “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism."
He added, "They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol (Acetaminophen is Tylenol’s active ingredient) use during pregnancy unless medically necessary," such as to treat fever.
In countries like India and the UK, acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, is sold as Tylenol. It helps relieve pain and fever. The medicine is widely available without a prescription and is generally considered safe.
Doctors often recommend it during pregnancy instead of drugs like ibuprofen, which may be riskier at certain stages. Millions of pregnant women have safely used acetaminophen for decades. Doctors advise occasional use, especially for fever, because an untreated high fever can harm the baby.
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Autism, sometimes referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. Symptoms vary, which is why it is called a “spectrum.” The main signs include differences in social communication and repetitive or restricted behaviours.
Some earlier studies suggested a possible link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. But experts stress that correlation does not mean causation.
A 2019 study in JAMA Psychiatry found a small increase in autism among children whose mothers took acetaminophen. Researchers noted that other factors, like why the medicine was taken (for example, fever or infection), could explain this.
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A 2024 Swedish study of 2.5 million children found no higher risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability when comparing siblings whose mothers did and did not take acetaminophen. These sibling studies are more reliable because they control for family and environmental factors.
Some research shows minor associations for long-term use or specific autism types, but there is no strong evidence that acetaminophen causes autism.
Doctors continue to say acetaminophen is safe when needed during pregnancy. Dr Jayashree Sundar, an obstetrician with 30 years of experience, told CNN-News18,
"Just because the US President has made this remark, the panic button should not be pushed. There is no Indian study to show any such findings till now. I have an experience of 30 years and I have prescribed paracetamol to my pregnant patients as painkillers for joint pains. If my patient has 103 degree fever, it can affect the baby, so it is better to take paracetamol to bring down the fever. That being said, over-the-counter medication in pregnancy should be avoided."
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) and the CDC also consider acetaminophen safe in moderation.
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Kenvue, the company that owns Tylenol, rejected Trump’s claims. They said, "We strongly disagree with any suggestion that acetaminophen causes autism. The totality of the scientific evidence does not support this claim."
The company warned that false information could put pregnant women at risk if they avoid necessary treatment.
Experts say pregnant women should not panic. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication. Using acetaminophen when medically needed is safe. Avoid unnecessary over-the-counter medicines to ensure both mother and baby stay healthy.
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