TGA stresses safety of paracetamol in pregnancy as Australia seeks urgent advice on autism link

The federal government is seeking urgent advice after US officials flagged a potential link between paracetamol taken during pregnancy and autism in children.

Experts in Australia say the risk is very low and fear America’s move could cause undue distress to expectant mothers.

Donald Trump, alongside his health secretary, is expected to warn women against using paracetamol during pregnancy, citing a possible link with an increased risk of autism in children.

The move is contrary to medical guidelines in Australia, where paracetamol remains widely recommended for pregnant women.

“I’m worried it’s going to cause a lot of undue concern to parents. This is a very widely used drug as everyone knows,” one expert said.

Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed the Australian government is now seeking urgent advice on the matter.

“We’ll look at it very closely. Our TGA works very closely with the FDA,” Butler said.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration currently lists paracetamol as safe to reduce fever during pregnancy, but adds it should be discussed with a healthcare professional and used at the lowest dose.

A statement issued late Monday by the TGA reiterated that belief.

“Paracetamol remains Pregnancy Category A in Australia, meaning that it is considered safe for use in pregnancy,” a spokesperson said.

“The TGA has no current active safety investigations for paracetamol and autism, or paracetamol and neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly.

“The TGA does not provide clinical advice; people are encouraged to consult their treating healthcare professionals for clinical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.”

Medical experts acknowledge there has been awareness of a connection for some time.

“We’ve known about an association between paracetamol and a very, very tiny increase in the likelihood of neurodevelopmental conditions for a long time,” one specialist explained.

Autism rates in Australia have risen 42 per cent since 2018, affecting about one in 40 people, but could be even higher.

Possible factors for the growing rates include financial incentives like the NDIS, increased awareness and early intervention.

Experts stress that autism is explained mostly by genetics and is part of who children are, not something to be fixed or cured.

Australian doctors will be listening to the President’s words closely as the government awaits further advice.