Key Summary
- MHRA says paracetamol is the safest pain and fever treatment during pregnancy.
- European researchers found no link to autism, ADHD or intellectual disability.
- Experts urge pregnant women to follow medical guidance before consuming paracetamol.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reaffirmed that paracetamol is the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
The medicine watchdog made the statement after a group of European researchers stated in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health that taking paracetamol, known as Tylenol in the US, during pregnancy is safe.
The researchers had compiled data in response to US president Donald Trump’s claims of a link to autism last year.
Many experts had earlier decried the president’s comments, saying they were not evidence-based.
The European researchers said they had focused on amassing the best-quality evidence to address the claims.
“Paracetamol is safe to use in pregnancy,” said lead author Asma Khalil, professor of obstetrics and maternal foetal medicine at City St George’s, University of London.
“The key message is reassurance: When used as recommended, the best available evidence does not support a causal link with autism, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) or intellectual disability.”
The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data, finding 43 studies that were then assessed for quality and bias using a standard tool.
They particularly focused on studies that looked at children born to the same mother who took paracetamol/Tylenol during one pregnancy but not the other.
These take into account shared genetic factors and family environments that could be linked to autism or the other conditions studied, Khalil said.
Grainne McAlonan, professor of Translational Neuroscience at King's College London, who was not involved in the research, praised the study, adding: “I hope the findings of this study bring the matter to a close.”
MHRA’s chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said, “Paracetamol has been used for many years and is the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. When taken as directed, it is safe and effective.”
“As with all medicines, pregnant women should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or midwife if they have any questions, and follow the guidance provided with the medicine,” she added.
