Local health officials and doctors and pushing back against the Trump administration for the feds’ “harmful” unproven claims that tie Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism.
As OB/GYNs tell their patients that acetaminophen is safe to use during pregnancy, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is also advising residents that acetaminophen is “one of the safest” and most commonly used meds to relieve pain and reduce fever in pregnancy.
There have been claims that acetaminophen might be linked to autism or ADHD in children, but this has not been proven by science, according to officials. Many research studies show there’s no evidence that acetaminophen causes either condition.
“The overwhelming body of scientific research has not shown that using acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions in children,” Massachusetts DPH officials said in a statement on Friday.
“Claims to the contrary are simply not supported by high-quality evidence,” added Commissioner of Public Health Robbie Goldstein, and Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer Jessica Zeidman.
Treating pain and reducing fever during pregnancy is important, the officials said. They added that leaving fever or significant pain untreated can be “far more dangerous” to a developing fetus than taking acetaminophen as directed.
“Public health statements with the power and reach to influence millions of families must be anchored in solid evidence and guided by medical specialists who understand the science – not by speculation or opinions from those without the training and knowledge to accurately assess the full scope of research and the associated clinical nuances,” the DPH leaders said.
“The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to push back on harmful misinformation and disinformation related to the health and safety of those in our Commonwealth,” they added.
The CDC earlier this week updated its website about medicine and pregnancy.
“Although a direct causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD has not been established, pregnant women should consider avoiding acetaminophen use during pregnancy as a precaution,” the CDC wrote on its site.
“Although high fevers have been shown to be associated with birth defects, low grade fevers generally do not require any medication,” the CDC added. “If a pregnant woman is ever in doubt about fevers, she should consult with a physician about treatment options.”
The FDA also initiated the process for a label change for acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products) — claiming that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy may be tied with an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children.
The agency also issued a letter alerting physicians nationwide.
“It is important to note that while an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions has been described in many studies, a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature,” the FDA wrote.
“It is also noted that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy, and high fevers in pregnant women can pose a risk to their children,” the feds added. “Additionally, aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the fetus.”