President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have officially acknowledged acetaminophen, the primary component found in Tylenol.
Kennedy mentioned on Monday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will soon alert doctors that the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women may be linked to a “significantly increased risk” of neurological conditions, including autism and ADHD in children. Future labeling on the drug is expected to reflect this understanding.
“We haven’t tested Tylenol used during pregnancy.”
Following the announcement, some progressives began protesting with pills, while international health officials hurried to assure the public about the safety and effectiveness of acetaminophen.
In the meantime, critics have begun scrutinizing earlier advisories and communications concerning Tylenol. One outdated message that has gained attention online states that Tylenol does not recommend usage during pregnancy.
Tylenol Tweet March 7, 2017, “We don’t actually recommend using the product while pregnant. Thank you for taking the time to express today’s concerns.”
Another tweet resurfaced this week in which Tylenol advised expectant and nursing mothers to consult their doctors before using the medication, although this message was less nuanced.
Many critics pointed to this as a sign that even a well-known brand could suggest that pregnant women take acetaminophen.
“What an interesting thing to say a long time ago,” commented one user.
South African musician David Scott, known as Kiffness; raised a point, noting that despite warnings, expectant mothers, perhaps influenced by popular culture online, may end up jeopardizing their children’s futures. “I hope this will give them pause.”
A spokesman for Kenvue clarified in a statement that “this post from 2017 is out of context.”
“We do not recommend that pregnant women take medication without consulting doctors,” the statement added. “This aligns with acetaminophen guidelines and product labels.” When asked whether Tylenol might pose additional risks to pregnant women, the spokesperson stated that “acetaminophen remains the safest pain relief option during pregnancy, when needed.”
The spokesperson also mentioned, “Our products are safe and effective when used according to the instructions provided,” emphasizing the importance of discussing any over-the-counter medication use with a healthcare provider.
An earlier tweet from Tylenol noted that as of June 17, 2019, they had “not tested Tylenol for use during pregnancy.”
Various robust studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
Dr. William Parker, CEO and visiting scholar at WPLAB at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has authored numerous studies on the matter and recently shared insights, stating, “Science teaches us several things. Most importantly, (a) exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to many cases of autism spectrum disorder. (b) Certain ineffective assumptions in analyzing epidemiological data obscure the role of acetaminophen in autism.”
