The WHO headquarters in Geneva. File photo by Denis Balibouse/ Reuters

WHO urges caution on autism and acetaminophen claims, saying several studies ‘found no such relationship’

Health

The World Health Organization called for caution before making links between acetaminophen use by pregnant women and autism.

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WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic noted "some observational studies" that have suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, or paracetamol, and autism, "but evidence remains inconsistent."

Several studies conducted afterward have "found no such relationship," he said.

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"If the link between acetaminophen and autism were strong, it would likely have been consistently observed across multiple studies," Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday.

"This lack of replicability really calls for caution in drawing casual conclusions about the role of acetaminophen in autism," he added.

Jasarevic noted that WHO advises that medicines in pregnancy should always be used with caution, especially in the first three months, and in consultation with a patient's doctor.

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WHO urges caution on autism and acetaminophen claims, saying several studies ‘found no such relationship’ first appeared on the PBS News website.

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