Tylenol Autism

In a recent press conference with the Secretary of Human and Health Services (HHS), president Donald Trump made a statement claiming acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, was linked to autism. At the same press conference, held on September 22nd, the National Institute of Health launched a $50 million data science initiative. 

Five months prior to this press conference, the Secretary of HHS, Robert F Kennedy Jr., pledged to determine the cause of autism by September. 

"By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we'll be able to eliminate those exposures," Kennedy said in a cabinet meeting on April 10th.

The follow up came on September 22nd, where President Trump urged pregnant mothers to refrain from using the drug while they are pregnant. In his statement, Trump said the FDA would begin telling doctors the use of acetaminophen during pregnancies is one the cause for the current rise in autism. Trump also brought up past scientific studies that linked autism and acetaminophen together.

Kenvue, the makers of Tylenol, released a statement saying, “We have continuously evaluated the relevant science and there is no credible data that shows a proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism.”

Similarly, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agreed.

"Studies that have been conducted in the past, show no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues," Dr. Steven Fleischman, President of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said.

The FDA released a press announcement following the press conference where they included the idea that there has been a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancies and diagnosis of conditions like autism in recent years. 

“Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy… Additionally, aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the fetus,” The FDA included in their press announcement. 

There are many studies that show a link between recent autism diagnosis and acetaminophen usage, however there are also many studies that show there is no connection, and the recent increase in diagnosis is due to more advancements in the world of healthcare.

“We, as consumers, when hearing any sort of news in regards to medications or health risks should take the extra step of ensuring that the information being presented has gone through the rigors of the scientific method and been published in a  reputable peer reviewed medical journal to ensure accuracy,” NHS school nurse Stephanie Daly said.

A safety label change has been initiated, to change the labels on acetaminophen products that will warn that taking during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of things such as autism and ADHD in children.