By KT Reporter
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and the use of paracetamol, also known as Panadol or acetaminophen, during pregnancy.
This follows a statement by the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this week that it would put a new warning label on the drug, saying there was new evidence associating use of the painkiller during pregnancy with neurological conditions such as autism.
“The FDA is taking action to make parents and doctors aware of a considerable body of evidence about potential risks associated with acetaminophen,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary in a statement shared on the FDA website on Monday “Even with this body of evidence, the choice still belongs with parents.
The precautionary principle may lead many to avoid using acetaminophen during pregnancy, especially since most low-grade fevers don’t require treatment. It remains reasonable, however, for pregnant women to use acetaminophen in certain scenarios.”
This development has caused debate on social media even outside the United States, considering that the drug is used widely all over the world, including in Uganda. However, in their latest statement, the WHO maintains that there is no consistent evidence to confirm the link between the drug and autistic babies.
They say there has been extensive research conducted over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into these links, and no association has been established.
Globally, nearly 62 million people, accounting for one in 127, have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and it is understood that multiple factors can be involved.
The WHO also notes that extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism.
“Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines—including those with thiomersal or aluminium—do not cause autism or other developmental disorders”, the statement reads in part.
Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the priority mental health and neurological conditions discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health this afternoon
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