1 week ago
Swift News
Health Canada is pushing back against U.S President Donald Trump's claim that Tylenol use during pregnancy and childhood is linked to autism.
The government department said acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, is a recommended treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy, and should be used as directed by a doctor, at "the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration." It noted untreated fever and pain can pose health risks to a fetus.
"There is no conclusive evidence that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders," Health Canada said Wednesday in a posting on its website.
Health Canada said its advice on acetaminophen use is based on "robust, rigorous assessments of the available scientific evidence."
The department says that it monitors the use of medications in Canada and notes that Tylenol labels "already carry clear warnings about safe use during pregnancy and breastfeeding."
"If new scientific evidence demonstrates a risk, Health Canada would take action to update labels, inform health-care professionals and provide advice to Canadians," Health Canada said.
Trump on Monday said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will start telling physicians that taking acetaminophen can be "associated with a very increased risk" of autism.
"I want to say it like it is, don't take Tylenol. Don't take it," Trump said during an official appearance in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. "Fight like hell not to take it."
Both experts and Kenvue, which makes Tylenol, say there isn't conclusive evidence backing up the association.
The statement came at the end of an event in which Trump took the highly unusual step as president of offering direct medical advice to Americans who are pregnant or those caring for young children, without presenting new evidence.
