Medical practitioners across this region and wider Australia have refuted the U.S. President’s claims last week when he suggested there was a link between autism and the commonly-used painkiller paracetamol.
Donald Trump announced last Tuesday, “I think we found an answer to autism”.
A White House press conference proceeded and U.S. officials suggested pregnant women should cease – or at the very least, limit – their intake of paracetamol when pregnant due to the increased potential of a baby being born with autism.
Australian health officials were quick to respond, including the Therapeutic Goods Administration which rejected the claim.
“Australia’s chief medical officer and the TGA join with other global medicines regulators, leading clinicians and scientists worldwide in rejecting claims regarding the use of paracetamol in pregnancy, and the subsequent risk of development of ADHD or autism in children.
“Robust scientific evidence shows no causal link between the use of paracetamol in pregnancy and autism or ADHD, with several large and reliable studies directly contradicting these claims.”
The statement concluded by advising pregnant women to consult their local healthcare professional to discuss this issue further.
Dr Holly Lewis from Springs Medical in Kyneton told the Express her advice on using paracetamol when pregnant.
“The overwhelming evidence for the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy remains unchanged,” she said.
“I’m not aware of any Australian doctors who will be changing their advice to patients regarding this safe and effective medication for pain and fever management.
“I can certainly confirm I would have no hesitation still professionally recommending or personally taking paracetamol in pregnancy as needed.”
In Australia, the drug paracetamol is commonly sold under the brand names Panadol and Panamax.
