There isn’t enough data to say Tylenol causes autism, says US health official

The US health secretary’s comments also come a day after the state of Texas sued the drug’s manufacturer

Donald Trump’s top health official said Wednesday that evidence does not prove Kenvue’s painkiller Tylenol definitively causes autism but that it should still be used with caution, a month after the president said U.S. health officials would recommend a limit on its use.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments also come a day after the Republican state of Texas sued the maker of the drug, also known as acetaminophen, which has been widely sold for decades.

“The causal association … between Tylenol given during pregnancy and the perinatal period is not enough to definitively say that it causes autism. But it is very suggestive,” Kennedy told reporters, citing animal studies, blood and observations.

“You should have a cautious approach towards this,” he added.

Trump, who is not a doctor, warned pregnant women in September against using the drug without citing any scientific evidence. His unproven claim initially hit shares of the consumer health company, which will be spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, and sparked backlash from many doctors.

Kenvue has repeatedly defended the painkiller, saying there is no scientific link to autism and warning that such suggestions could put maternal health at risk.

The company has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reject its request for an autism warning on the Tylenol label and has reportedly hired a new marketing manager.

“We agree, as Secretary Kennedy said, that the best message for pregnant women is to consult their doctor before taking acetaminophen, which is what the Tylenol label tells consumers to do. We also agree that there is no definitive causal association between acetaminophen use and autism,” the company said in a statement.

Kenvue shares fell 1.4% at market close Wednesday.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.