Key Summary
- The health regulator disputed a warning from US president Donald Trump linking the pain medication to autism
- Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed
- Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.
The MHRA and other health agencies, including the WHO, on Tuesday (23) disputed a warning from US president Donald Trump linking the popular pain medication to autism.
MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said, "Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
"Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy."
She warned that untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, "so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment."
Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.
If pain persists, patients are advised to consult their healthcare professional.
National Pharmacy Association chair Olivier Picard said, "As the MHRA has said today, paracetamol remains an effective and safe pain relief option for patients, including for pregnant women and leaving fever and pain untreated can pose risks to unborn babies.
"Pharmacies are following advice from UK regulators closely and are encouraging pregnant women to continue to take paracetamol as their first choice pain relief, where this is appropriate.
"If patients are concerned about any of the medications they are taking, including pain relief, they should speak to their pharmacist who can advise them." he said
The European Medicines Agency said on Tuesday (23) that there was no new evidence that would require changes to the region's current recommendations for the use of paracetamol, known as Tylenol in the United States, during pregnancy.
"Available evidence has found no link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism," the EMA said in a statement.
