 "For many years, Tylenol has been considered safe for relieving pain and reducing fever. Reuters/File Photo")
The Donald Trump administration is reportedly expected to link the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to autism in children.
“I think we found an answer to autism,” Trump told the crowd in Arizona at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this month.
Tylenol has long been seen as a safe option for treating pain and fever. But the possible link to autism has raised fresh doubts and worries.
So, what steps is the US administration considering? Can using Tylenol during pregnancy really lead to autism in children?
Let’s take a look:
What did Donald Trump say?
During his speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday, Trump said he would speak from the Oval Office on Monday about autism.
“I think you’re going to find it to be amazing,” he told the audience. “I think we found an answer to autism.”
He did not share details of what he planned to announce but said his administration “won’t let it happen anymore.”
“I think it’s going to be one of the most important news conferences I’ll ever have, and I look so forward to it,” he added, stating that he believed Kirk would have looked forward to it as well.
What is Tylenol? What is its use?
Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, a common pain reliever that is widely used in the US, including by pregnant women.
It is called paracetamol in other parts of the world.
For many years, Tylenol has been considered safe for relieving pain and reducing fever, even during pregnancy, when most medicines are discouraged.
Doctors sometimes advise its use during pregnancy, as untreated pain or fever can cause health problems of their own.
According to the Washington Post, health officials now plan to caution women against taking the drug early in pregnancy unless they are running a fever.
The report also said Trump officials are likely to announce plans to study whether leucovorin, a drug, could possibly help treat autism.
What is autism?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, autism is a difference in how a child’s brain functions, leading them to socialise and behave in ways that may be different from others.
Early signs can include reduced eye contact, limited body language and repetitive movements or speech.
While autism can be diagnosed at any age, the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) calls it a “developmental disorder” because symptoms usually show up within the first two years of life.
Why is Tylenol being linked to autism?
Recent reports suggest the US government is examining a possible connection between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism, sparking fresh concerns.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr was preparing to announce that taking Tylenol while pregnant could be tied to autism spectrum disorder.
Some research has suggested a link, while other studies have found no evidence.
Fact check: Is there a link?
A few studies indicate that using the drug during pregnancy might raise the risk of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
However, a large study involving more than 2 million children in Sweden, published last year, found no such connection.
Previously, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) stated there is no solid evidence that careful use of acetaminophen during pregnancy harms development in the womb.
After the Wall Street Journal reported on Robert F Kennedy Jr’s plans, leading maternal and prenatal health groups reaffirmed their support for using acetaminophen when needed during pregnancy.
Both ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said acetaminophen remains a safe option for managing pain and fever when taken in moderation.
Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, said in a statement: “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”