‘There is no link’: Doctor rebuts Trump’s claims tying Tylenol to autism risk

Potential Health Risk Announcement - The White House is expected to announce a link between pregnant women taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an increased risk of autism in children [1] - Current FDA guidelines and decades of research consider acetaminophen safe for pregnant women [1] - Tylenol's parent company warns that without the drug, women face dangerous choices and potentially harmful conditions [1] Scientific Evidence and Research - Previous research showed a correlation, but not causation, between Tylenol and a very small increased risk of autism, but these studies were of poor quality [2] - A large, high-quality 25-year study in Sweden found no link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism when controlling for genetics and other risk factors [3] - Numerous medical organizations in the US, Canada, and Europe consider the data suggesting a link to be inconclusive at best [7] Implications and Concerns - Concerns exist about the implications if the announced link is wrong, potentially leading to cherry-picked data and confusion [5] - There are limited options for oral pain relief during pregnancy besides Tylenol, making it important to treat pain [6] - Medical professionals advise patients to consult their doctors or pediatricians regarding concerns about Tylenol use during pregnancy [8][9] - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists sees no concern for using the lowest effective dose of Tylenol if needed [9]