Trump suggests acetaminophen use in pregnancy may cause autism, despite long-standing safety evidence
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will inform physicians about a potential increased risk of autism associated with the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Trump advised limiting Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary, such as to treat fever.
Experts note that autism is influenced by various factors, and the link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism is not definitively established. Acetaminophen is considered a safe over-the-counter option for pain or fever during pregnancy, as other options like ibuprofen or aspirin can pose risks during pregnancy.
During a press conference with several health officials, Trump also discussed childhood vaccinations and suggested delaying the hepatitis B shot for newborns until age 12. However, the CEO of Tylenol's maker emphasized that there is no clear connection between the medication and autism.
While Trump expressed concerns about the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, the FDA stated that a causal relationship between Tylenol and autism has not been proven. The FDA's letter to physicians highlighted conflicting studies in scientific literature regarding this issue.
The FDA approved prescription leucovorin for the treatment of autistic children and restored the approval of Wellcovorin, a branded version of leucovorin. The agency requested additional data on cerebral folate deficiency from the manufacturer, GSK.
The prevalence of autism has been increasing, with approximately 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by age 8 in 2022. Experts attribute this rise to expanded diagnostic criteria, improved awareness, and increased screening efforts for autism in young children.
Experts emphasize that the cause of autism is complex and involves multiple factors, including genetic and environmental influences. Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician specializing in vaccine development, underscored the multifactorial nature of autism and cautioned against seeking simplistic explanations for the condition.