Pregnant women told ‘strong evidence base’ shows paracetamol is safe

Pregnant women are being told there is a “strong evidence base” that the painkiller paracetamol is safe to use, despite US President Donald Trump suggesting use of the drug by expectant mothers could be linked to autism in their offspring.

The US president said there had been a “meteoric rise” in cases of autism and suggested that Tylenol, which is known in the UK as  paracetamol, was a potential cause.

He said the medication should not be taken during pregnancy, suggesting instead that pregnant women should “tough it out”.

His comments have been criticised by autism campaigners and scientists in the UK.

Scotland’s chief pharmaceutical officer Professor Alison Strath said: “The strong evidence base available shows that paracetamol continues to be the safe, recommended choice for managing pain relief and fever during pregnancy.”

She added: “We know how important it is for pregnant women to feel confident about their healthcare choices, so please do continue following NHS guidance and have open conversations with your midwife, GP or pharmacist about any concerns.”

Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.

“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.”

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged pregnant women not to pay “any attention whatsoever” to the US president.

Mr Streeting told ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ve just got to be really clear about this, there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None.”