**MHRA Reaffirms Safety of Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy Amidst Recent Controversy**
The UK’s drug regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has reiterated that there is no evidence linking paracetamol (commonly known as Tylenol) use during pregnancy with autism or ADHD in children. This statement comes in response to concerns raised during recent international debates.
In its latest Drug Safety Update (DSU), the MHRA emphasized that paracetamol remains the first-choice medication for pain and fever relief in pregnant women when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.
> “Patients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children,” the update stated.
The regulator also cautioned pregnant women against switching to alternatives such as ibuprofen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the unborn child. Additionally, the MHRA highlighted that untreated fever and pain can themselves pose health risks to both the mother and baby, making effective and safe treatment essential.
Healthcare professionals have been advised to continue following existing guidelines and to reassure patients who may have concerns about paracetamol use during pregnancy.
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### Trump’s Statements on Tylenol and Autism
On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump made statements linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism. He advised pregnant women to “fight like hell” not to use the medication, saying, “Don’t take Tylenol.” Trump suggested that acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a “very big factor” in autism and claimed that areas without access to the medication have “no autism.”
Paracetamol — known globally by the brand name Tylenol or its generic form acetaminophen — is the most widely used medication for managing fever and body pain during pregnancy.
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### Scientific Evidence Supports Paracetamol Safety
The MHRA’s four-page Drug Safety Update cited large-scale population studies, including research involving more than 2.4 million children in Sweden, which found no causal association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and developmental conditions such as autism.
A worldwide review of scientific literature published in February 2025 also found no evidence supporting any link between prenatal paracetamol use and autism or ADHD.
The update further noted that the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK’s own Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) have previously reviewed the available data and reached similar conclusions.
> “The benefits of paracetamol outweigh potential risks when used appropriately,” the MHRA stated.
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### Continued Vigilance Encouraged
The MHRA urged healthcare providers and members of the public to continue reporting any suspected side effects of medicines, including paracetamol, through established pharmacovigilance systems. This ongoing monitoring ensures continued safety for all patients.
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**Summary**
– No scientific evidence links paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism or ADHD.
– Paracetamol remains the recommended first-line treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy.
– NSAIDs like ibuprofen are generally not advised during pregnancy.
– Untreated pain and fever can present risks to both mother and baby.
– Large-scale studies and regulatory bodies confirm the safety of paracetamol when used correctly.
– Pregnant women with concerns should consult healthcare professionals and follow existing guidance.
For more information, please refer to the MHRA’s latest Drug Safety Update, available on their official website.
https://www.news18.com/world/paracetamol-remains-safe-for-pregnant-women-uk-health-watchdog-rebuts-trumps-autism-claim-9592494.html