Trump's Paracetamol and Vaccine Claims Debunked by Experts
US President Donald Trump's recent claims that acetaminophen use in pregnancy and childhood vaccinations are linked to autism have sparked controversy and concern among health experts and the public. However, these claims lack conclusive scientific evidence and have been dismissed by regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical companies.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised doctors to exercise caution when prescribing acetaminophen to pregnant women, but it remains the safest over-the-counter option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy. The Coalition of Autism Scientists has dismissed Trump's claims, stating that the data cited does not support the alleged link between acetaminophen and autism.
In Kenya, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has reassured the public that acetaminophen (paracetamol) is safe for relieving pain and fever in pregnancy when taken as prescribed. The PPB's Pharmacovigilance Division has not received any reports linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Similarly, Swissmedic stated that there is no clear scientific evidence for a connection between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism. Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has also rejected the allegations and expressed concern about the health risk posed by the claim that acetaminophen causes autism.
While acetaminophen should be used judiciously during pregnancy, with medical supervision, it remains a safe and effective option for managing pain and fever. Pregnant women should not be alarmed by Trump's claims, as they are not supported by conclusive scientific evidence. Regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical companies continue to reassure the public about the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
