Health agencies across Europe have rushed to reassure women that paracetamol can still be taken during pregnancy and that there is no proven link to autism.
On Monday, US President, Donald Trump, said Tylenol, known as paracetamol in Ireland, “is no good” for pregnant women.
His comments appear to stem from a review of past research which concluded that children may be more likely to develop autism when exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy.
But Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority HPRA said that women should continue to use paracetamol during pregnancy as previously advised.
“The HPRA states that paracetamol is an important treatment option for the management of fever and pain in pregnancy and available evidence does not link its use to causing autism in children.
Product information for paracetamol in Ireland and across the European Union recommends that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy. As with any medicine, it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
This recommendation is based upon rigorous review of a large amount of data from pregnant women who have used paracetamol.”
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) which is responsible for granting licences to drugs across the EU also said it continued to have confidence in women taking paracetamol.
“There is currently no new evidence that would require changes to the current EU recommendations for use”, the EMA said.
“Paracetamol remains an important option to treat pain or fever in pregnant women”, said Steffen Thirstrup, the European Medicines Agency’s Chief Medical Officer.
“Our advice is based on a rigorous assessment of the available scientific data and we have found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children”.
The EMA continued:
“A large amount of data from pregnant women who used paracetamol during pregnancy indicates no risk of malformations in the developing foetus or in newborns.
In 2019, EMA reviewed available studies that investigated the neurodevelopment of children exposed to paracetamol in utero and found that the results were inconclusive and that no link with neurodevelopmental disorders could be established.”
Both EU and Irish agencies urged women to read the label and information in the packet. And to consult a doctor if they have concerns.
“As for all medicines, EMA and the national competent authorities in the EU will continue to monitor the safety of medicines containing paracetamol and promptly evaluate any new data as they emerge.
Regulatory actions will be taken as necessary to protect public health.”