The German Federal Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the safety of paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, in response to ongoing discussions surrounding the medication in the United States.
A ministry spokesperson, responding to inquiries from the dts news agency in Berlin on Wednesday, emphasized that paracetamol has been an approved medication for years, including for use during pregnancy. Its approved uses encompass relief from mild to moderate pain, such as headaches and menstrual cramps. The spokesperson stated that no plausible mechanism has been identified linking paracetamol use to developmental concerns such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHS) or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
However, the spokesperson also reiterated that medication use during pregnancy should be limited to medically necessary situations and, when used, should be at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest duration possible. They highlighted the systematic monitoring of pharmaceuticals in both Germany and the European Union, coupled with ongoing collaboration with relevant authorities.
The reaffirmation of paracetamol’s safety comes after US President Donald Trump and Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns regarding a potential link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism. Many experts dispute this assertion, citing inconsistent findings from available studies.
