New safety information for paracetamol has been issued by the Government following an official review.
The popular painkiller is the most commonly used in the UK for everything from headaches to flu, fevers and all manner of other minor ailments.
The drug’s safety was recently thrown back into the spotlight after US President Donald Trump claimed that Tylenol, a brand name of paracetamol in the US, was linked to autism.
Trump said in September there had been a “meteoric rise” in cases of autism and that Tylenol – which is called paracetamol in the UK – was a potential cause.
He said the painkiller should not be taken during pregnancy, suggesting pregnant women should “tough it out”.
Now, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority has issued a statement following a new review of paracetamol’s effects on pregnant women published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health.
It found ‘no evidence’ of any link between paracetamol and autism, ADHD or any mental disability among children.
It said: “Following publication of a new systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health which found no evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or intellectual disability among children, the MHRA has reaffirmed that paracetamol continues to be the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.”
The MHRA says paracetamol is therefore still recommended as the ‘first choice’ painkiller for pregnant women.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy. This large-scale analysis of the evidence found no link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or disability in children.
“Paracetamol has been used for many years and is the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. When taken as directed, it is safe and effective.
“As with all medicines, pregnant women should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or midwife if they have any questions, and follow the guidance provided with the medicine.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
