Paracetamol, vaccines won’t cause autism, says health ministry

It says there is no scientific proof that links paracetamol usage during pregnancy to autism.

The health ministry said paracetamol, commonly used for pain and fever, is safe if taken in low doses for a short time. (Freepik pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The health ministry has assured that the use of paracetamol by pregnant mothers, as well as vaccines, will not cause autism in their children.

In a statement, the ministry said that paracetamol, which is commonly used to treat pain and fever, is still among the safest medications to be used if taken in low doses for the shortest time period.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) also stressed that from numerous studies done in the past decade, there is no solid scientific evidence that links paracetamol usage during pregnancy to autism.

“WHO (also) advises that all pregnant women should always seek advice from their doctors or pharmacists before taking any medication.”

The health ministry was responding to statements that using Tylenol (paracetamol) during pregnancy and vaccines cause autism, and that folinic acid is being promoted as a treatment for autism symptoms.

While the ministry did not mention the parties that made such claims, US president Donald Trump had recently told pregnant women to avoid taking acetaminophen, which is sold in the US as Tylenol, adding that those who could not “tough it out” should limit their intake. - FMT

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