Boxes of Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, a pain reliever and fever reducer, are neatly arranged on the shelves of a CVS retail pharmacy store. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Tylenol and autism have drawn national attention and sparked questions about the safety of taking certain medications during pregnancy, prompting concern among Tallahassee doctors, pharmacists, and medical students.
At a White House press conference on Sept. 22, Trump claimed that using Tylenol and Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy, may be linked to autism and strongly urged pregnant women to avoid using the medication.
Some local healthcare professionals say Trump’s recent comments have caused confusion for mothers who are expecting. While his remarks have gained lots of attention online, medical experts emphasize that research still supports Acetaminophen as a safe option for pain relief during pregnancy.
Marlisha Edwards, a board-certified family physician practicing in Tallahassee, Florida, explained that acetaminophen remains one of the safest options for pregnant women. Without it, pregnant patients may struggle to find effective alternative options for pain relief during pregnancy.
“As a physician who has treated pregnant women, I’ve told many patients to take Tylenol as needed for pain and fever,” Edwards said. I can say assertively that there is no clinical evidence of a link between acetaminophen use and autism.”
Edwards added that officials still recommend the drug for effective and safe relief.
“In fact, many governing bodies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and others, still list acetaminophen as the drug of choice for pregnant patients for pain and fever,” Edwards said.
Pharmacy students, approach such claims carefully when first learning about them. Tiana Daniels, a second-year doctor of pharmacy candidate, said her first instinct was to look for evidence.
“My first reaction for things that I read is to not believe what you read at a first glance; things need evidence,” Daniels said. “What we’ve learned about Tylenol is that it is generally a safe medication.”
For pharmacists with decades of experience, guidance regarding Tylenol use has been consistent. Manuel Sims, a Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University alum who has worked in pharmacy for 38 years, said Tylenol has long been the safest option for pregnant women. He also explained that untreated fevers could be highly harmful to a fetus.
“If a pregnant woman has a continued high, that can also increase the potential for harmful effects on the fetus.” Sims said. “There may be a large number of women who suffer from fever that goes untreated, and that can be just as damaging to the fetus as what President Trump is alleging acetaminophen could do.”
For now, health care providers stress that patients should continue to consult with their health care professionals. Medical experts encourage expectant mothers to rely on evidence-based guidance when making decisions about medication use during pregnancy.