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Trump made statements linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, stating ‘Don’t take Tylenol’ and advising pregnant women to ‘fight like hell’ not to use it
Donald Trump has claimed that taking Tylenol during pregnancy may cause autism in children, urging pregnant women to avoid the drug ‘unless absolutely necessary’. (Image/AFP)
The UK’s drug regulator has reiterated that there is no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism or ADHD in children, countering concerns raised by recent international debates.
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In its latest Drug Safety Update (DSU), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said paracetamol continues to be recommended as the first-choice pain and fever relief for pregnant women, provided it is used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. “Patients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children,” the update stated.
The regulator also cautioned pregnant women not to switch to alternatives such as ibuprofen, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy because of risks to the unborn child.
The MHRA noted that untreated fever and pain themselves can pose health risks to both the mother and the baby, making effective and safe treatment essential. Also, in the document uploaded on the website, healthcare professionals have been advised to continue following existing guidance and to reassure patients who may have concerns.
Don’t take Tylenol: Trump
On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump made statements linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, stating “Don’t take Tylenol” and advising pregnant women to “fight like hell” not to use it. Trump suggested that acetaminophen is “a very big factor” in autism and claimed that areas without access to the medication have “no autism”.
Paracetamol—known globally as brand Tylenol or the generic version of acetaminophen—is the most widely used drug for managing fever and body pain in pregnant women.
High-quality scientific evidence shows paracetamol safe
The four-page update cited large-scale population studies, including research involving more than 2.4 million children in Sweden, which found no causal association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and developmental conditions such as autism. A February 2025 worldwide review of scientific literature also found no evidence to support a link, the regulator said.
It also highlighted that the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK’s own Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) have previously “reviewed available data and reached similar conclusions”, noting that the benefits of paracetamol outweigh potential risks when used appropriately.
The MHRA urged healthcare providers and members of the public to continue reporting any suspected side effects of medicines, including paracetamol, through established pharmacovigilance systems in case they notice any side effects.
About the Author
Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass…Read More
Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass… Read More
September 23, 2025, 23:41 IST
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