FDA Warning on Paracetamol & Pregnancy Sparks Concern Over Women’s health & Autism Link
WASHINGTON D.C.- A recent move by teh U.S. Food and Drug Governance (FDA) to add a warning to paracetamol (known as Tylenol in the US) packaging regarding a “possible association” between its use during pregnancy and autism is generating significant debate and concern among medical professionals.The warning follows emerging research exploring a potential link, but experts caution against misinterpretation and highlight the risks of discouraging paracetamol use altogether.
The FDA is updating the label to reflect the possible association, and has alerted physicians nationally, while emphasizing that a causal relationship between paracetamol and autism has not been established. The agency also reiterated that paracetamol remains the only drug approved to treat fever during pregnancy, and that high fevers pose risks to developing babies.
However, the FDA’s action has been overshadowed by comments made by former President Donald Trump, who urged people to “fight like hell not to take it,” a statement experts fear will unduly influence public perception.
“When Trump suggests that there’s no downside to not taking paracetamol during pregnancy, that’s not true,” stated Dr. Gardner. ”There’s quite a big body of evidence that shows that there are possibly severe health risks if a fever goes untreated for a prolonged period of time during pregnancy.”
The concern extends beyond direct physical risks. Experts warn the situation could erode trust in science and the medical establishment, particularly impacting pregnant women who are already vulnerable to misinformation.
“Pregnant women are already bombarded with a host of unsubstantiated information,” said Professor Sarah Hawkes, co-founder of Global Health 50/50, a gender equality research initiative. “it feeds into a narrative of distrust in science, which is really hazardous for women’s health, particularly in pregnancy.”
Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, professor of women’s health at the University of Liverpool, expressed worry about the potential for increased anxiety among pregnant women and new mothers. “women could spend the next 10 years unnecessarily worrying,” she said.
The implications are global. Paracetamol is a primary painkiller used in childbirth in many countries. Restricting its use could lead to increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and a rise in requests for caesarean sections, according to experts.
“Paracetamol is far and away the safest painkiller in pregnancy so if women are more reluctant to take it they are going to be suffering unnecessarily,” said Tomlinson.”In general, women are very cautious about taking anything during pregnancy.”
The FDA also recently approved leucovorin, a form of folate, based on research suggesting it may alleviate some social interaction difficulties experienced by autistic individuals.
Experts are particularly concerned about the potential for increased stigma and guilt for parents of autistic children.”For parents of autistic children…you’ve introduced a huge amount of stigma and guilt when the scientific evidence just doesn’t bear that out,” added Hawkes.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between informing the public about potential risks and avoiding unnecessary fear and harm,particularly when it comes to essential medications during pregnancy.
