U.S. President Donald Trump said that doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe Tylenol to pregnant women, linking the painkiller to a risk of autism — a claim the medical community has condemned as dangerous. [1], [2]
“Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump urged pregnant women about a dozen times during a White House press conference, also warning mothers against giving the drug to infants. The medication is known as acetaminophen in the U.S. and paracetamol in most other countries.
Tylenol contains acetaminophen (paracetamol) and is used to treat fever, cold symptoms, and pain relief.
He further repeated unfounded claims — long disproven by scientific research — that vaccine ingredients or frequent administration of vaccines in short intervals could contribute to rising autism rates in the U.S.
In a statement to doctors, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used far more cautious language than Trump, according to the BBC. The agency said physicians should consider limiting Tylenol use, but stressed it remains the safest over-the-counter option for treating fever and pain during pregnancy — conditions which themselves can harm the health of both mother and fetus.
