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Tylenol, one of the world's most common over-the-counter fever reducers, is under scrutiny after a September 22 White House announcement. U.S. President Trump suggested an unproven link between the drug's active ingredient, acetaminophen, and autism in children of mothers who used it during pregnancy.

This statement immediately rattled the market, causing Kenvue (Tylenol's manufacturer) stock to drop by 7.47% to a historic low. In an interview with National Business Daily (NBD), Kenvue China, however, maintains its confidence that acetaminophen does not cause autism, a view supported by numerous public health experts.

In its reply to NBD, Kenvue China expressed concern that users might be misled by incorrect information, leading to confusion about the safety of taking acetaminophen during the upcoming cough, cold, and flu season. The company advises expectant mothers to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any over-the-counter medication, including acetaminophen.

The White House's warning was based on a review of 46 studies published in BMC Environmental Health. This review concluded that prenatal acetaminophen exposure may increase the risk of autism and ADHD. However, critics argue the review was selective and not rigorously conducted. The senior author of the study, Dr. Andrea Baccarelli, had previously testified on this link in a lawsuit, where his testimony was dismissed by a judge for lack of scientific evidence.

This view is directly contradicted by other major studies. A 2024 study of nearly 2.5 million children in Sweden found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism risk after accounting for genetic factors.

Medical professionals have strongly refuted the U.S. government's claim, calling it dangerously misleading. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) state there is no definitive evidence to support the link. They warn that untreated fever and pain during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both mother and baby, including miscarriage, premature birth, and birth defects.

The consensus among medical experts is clear: when used as directed, acetaminophen remains the safest over-the-counter option for treating fever and pain during pregnancy. They advise pregnant women to consult their doctors before taking any medication.