US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr plans to announce that use of Kenvue’s popular over-the-counter pain medication Tylenol in pregnant women is potentially linked to autism, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the matter, without including evidence for the claims.
Kennedy, in a report, will also suggest a medicine derived from folate called folinic acid can be used to treat symptoms of autism in some people, the WSJ reported.
Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is a widely used pain reliever, including by pregnant women.
The report, expected this month from the US Department of Health and Human Services, which Kennedy heads, is likely to highlight how low levels of folate, an important vitamin, and Tylenol taken during pregnancy, could be a potential cause of autism, the report said.
Kenvue said in a statement that it believes there is no causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The company advises expecting mothers to speak to healthcare professionals before taking OTC medications, including Tylenol.
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