Concerns Over Tylenol Use During Pregnancy
Dr. Mehmet Oz informed CBS News chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett about the Trump government’s stance on pregnant women taking Tylenol. According to Oz, the government did not advise pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol altogether, contrary to President Trump’s recent announcement. Medical experts have raised concerns about a suspected connection between Tylenol and autism.
The Role of Acetaminophen in Treating Fever
Oz, a former surgeon and television personality, stated that if a pregnant woman develops a high fever, a doctor will likely encourage her to take acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, because fever can pose health risks. Studies have shown that acetaminophen is the safest drug for treating fever in pregnant women. However, Oz noted that most women may not be aware of the potential risks associated with taking Tylenol during pregnancy.
FDA’s Stance on Acetaminophen Use
On Monday, Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, published an open letter to doctors stating that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of diseases such as autism. However, the letter also noted that no causal relationship has been established. Makary’s letter was more measured than Mr. Trump’s comments, which suggested that it was "no disadvantage not to take Tylenol."
Medical Community’s Response
The medical community is concerned that some patients may be deterred from taking acetaminophen due to the FDA’s announcement, which could lead them to use other pain relievers that have proven unsafe during pregnancy. Dr. Steven Fleischman, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emphasized that the overwhelming evidence does not show that acetaminophen causes autism. He advised pregnant women to take acetaminophen if they have a fever, headaches, or other conditions that require it, but only after consulting their doctor.
Treatment Options for Autism
Oz also discussed the announcement that the FDA will approve a prescription medication derived from folic acid to treat autism in children. Specialists believe that Leucovorin can be helpful in treating some autism cases, but it is not a universal remedy. Oz noted that researchers who study Leucovorin would give it to their own children if they had autism, which suggests that it may be a promising treatment option.
The Prevalence of Autism
Autism has become more common among children born in the United States over the past 25 years, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, there is no scientific consensus on why this is the case. Oz stated that when he, Makary, and Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, examined the issue, they found two "hints" that suggested Leucovorin and acetaminophen may be relevant to the treatment and prevention of autism.
Transparency and Patient Consultation
Oz argued that the FDA has an obligation to be transparent and that patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of taking Tylenol during pregnancy. However, he also emphasized that patients should consult their doctors before making a decision. Oz would not advise a pregnant family member to take Tylenol without first talking to her doctor, and he cautioned that the medical community does not have all the answers about the safety of Tylenol during pregnancy.
