The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has “reaffirmed” that there is “no link” between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism in children.
Following the publication of a new systematic review and meta-analysis in the Lancet last week (January 16), the regulator said the painkiller “continues to be the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy”.
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The analysis found no evidence to indicate a “clinically important increase” in the likelihood of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability in the children of those who take paracetamol while pregnant.
The MHRA previously reassured the public that paracetamol is safe just last September, after US President Donald Trump claimed that taking the drug during pregnancy “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism”.
Remains safe
MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave 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,” she added.
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She said the drug “has been used for many years and is the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy”, and is “safe and effective” when taken as directed.
“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.”
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It comes after Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk announced last week that the MHRA has approved a “higher maintenance dose” of the weight loss drug.
And it follows the MHRA announcing that it is “strengthening” dependency and addiction warnings for drugs commonly used to treat pain, anxiety and insomnia.
