NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump triggered a controversy on Monday by bluntly warning pregnant women against taking Tylenol, just hours after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to add cautionary labels on paracetamol. FDA said evidence suggested that use of the drug during pregnancy was linked to a higher risk of autism and ADHD in children.“Don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it,” Trump declared at a White House press conference, flanked by senior public health officials. His sweeping remark prompted a wave of criticism from the medical community worldwide, including in India, where doctors urged pregnant women not to panic.“Paracetamol is one of the safest drugs in pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor,” assured Dr Mala Srivastava, president, National Association for Reproductive and Child Health of India, Delhi chapter. “It should not be taken over the counter, only after medical consultation. Tylenol is a combination drug, not pure paracetamol. And attributing autism to a single medicine is misplaced.”
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction. Symptoms usually appear in early childhood and range from difficulties in understanding social cues to repetitive patterns of behaviour. ADHDis another developmental condition marked by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Both are lifelong conditions that require varying levels of support.The World Health Organization clarified on Tuesday that evidence of a link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism wasn’t clear cut. “The evidence remains inconsistent,” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said when asked about a possible link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. Indian experts stressed that FDA had pointed to an association rather than proof of causation. Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant, obstetrics & gynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained, “The link weakens when genetic and family factors are considered, which means other reasons could be behind the risk. Trump’s statement oversimplifies what is a very complex science.”Doctors warned avoiding medication altogether could prove dangerous. “Untreated fever or severe pain in pregnancy can harm the fetus,” said Dr Abha Majumdar, senior consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
