Washington, USA — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (22) that doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe Tylenol (acetaminophen) to pregnant women, citing a possible link between the drug’s use and cases of autism in children.
The announcement was made in the Oval Office, alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and marks a significant shift in the debate over the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Tylenol and pregnancy: what Trump said
According to Trump, acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — “is not good” for pregnant women and should only be used in cases of extreme fever.
Although some studies suggest an association between the drug’s use and autism, results so far remain inconclusive. Tylenol’s manufacturer, pharmaceutical company Kenvue, rejected the claims and defended the product’s safety.
In a statement to the BBC, the company said:
“We believe independent and robust science clearly shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks these claims may pose to pregnant women.”
Kenvue reinforced that acetaminophen is considered the safest pain relief option during pregnancy, warning that restricting its use could push women toward more dangerous alternatives.
FDA to issue warning and review labels
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the **Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** will issue an official warning to doctors about the potential risks of Tylenol for pregnant women. The agency will also begin the process of updating the drug’s safety labels and launch a public awareness campaign.
Another point mentioned was the upcoming approval of leucovorin (folinic acid) as an experimental treatment for children with autism.
The role of leucovorin and folate studies
The **Autism Science Foundation** noted that low folate levels early in pregnancy have been linked in some studies to an increased risk of autism, though findings remain inconsistent.
Research in the U.S., Norway, and Israel indicated that women who took folic acid supplements at conception were up to 70% less likely to have children with autism.
Leucovorin, unlike regular folic acid, can cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively, helping to treat folate-related deficiencies. A 2016 clinical trial involving 48 autistic children in the U.S. found improvements in verbal communication with the drug compared to a placebo.
However, experts caution that the science is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions on its efficacy and safety.
Source: BBC | X @WhiteHouse
