Pregnant can i take tylenol

Earlier this month, a group of 91 scientists, clinicians, and public health professionals signed a consensus statement cautioning against the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy. The statement, published by Ann Bauer, ScD, of the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, and colleagues in Nature Reviews Endocrinology , warned of potential links to adverse fetal development outcomes, called for further investigation, and encouraged extra precautions prior to use in pregnancy. But many say this "consensus" is no real consensus at all, and may be sending the wrong message to patients who need to take the medication.

As acetaminophen is one of the only medications considered safe to treat pain and fever in pregnant patients, experts have questioned the limitations of the evidence included in the review, as well as what a lack of other medication options means for those who need it. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in more than medications and is widely used among pregnant patients to treat pain and fever, according to Bauer's group. The medication, which has the chemical name paracetamol N -acetyl- p -aminophenol; APAP , is also an endocrine disruptor, Bauer and colleagues argued, which could increase the risks for neurodevelopmental, urogenital, and reproductive disorders when used in pregnancy.

Observational studies and animal experiments suggested that acetaminophen exposure in utero was associated with urogenital and reproductive tract abnormalities among male infants, and early puberty among females. It was also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders -- such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and decreased IQ.

While the authors noted the limitations of the epidemiological research in their review, they recommended that pregnant women forgo acetaminophen use if not medically necessary, consult with a physician or pharmacist before using the medication on a long-term basis, and minimize their risk by using the lowest dose for the shortest duration possible.

Because of that potential risk, the authors recommend that pregnant women should be counseled before or early in pregnancy with the following guidance:. This guidance is important, says Neale. Part of the issue is that there are few options for pain relief during pregnancy, according to the paper. On October 15, , the U. During pregnancy, using acetaminophen may be medically necessary and an important tool to treat high fever, according to the authors.

The statement also included recommendations for European and U. What are the real risks of this relationship between using the medication and issues with fetal health — it is just an association or is it causation?

For years, acetaminophen also called paracetamol has been considered a safe medication to take for pain relief during pregnancy. Now, researchers warn that the common over-the-counter OTC pain reliever may interfere with fetal development, and they are advising pregnant people to be cautious about taking the drug.

In the new consensus statement published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, the researchers cite a growing body of evidence that suggests acetaminophen use during pregnancy can affect the fetus, and that it may lead to neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders in children.

The researchers are not necessarily saying that pregnant people should never use acetaminophen—rather, they advise that it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a doctor. Based on the evidence, the authors made the following recommendations:. Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics pain relievers and antipyretics fever reducers.

It works by changing the way the body senses pain, as well as by cooling the body. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in many pain-relieving medications, such as Tylenol.

It can relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches , menstrual periods, colds, sore throats, backaches , toothaches, osteoarthritis , muscle aches, and reactions to vaccinations.

It is also used to reduce fevers. The Food and Drug Administration FDA is aware that the decision to use any medication during pregnancy can be complex.

The authors of the most recent paper say that the drug has also been linked to genital malformations and early-onset puberty. If you have mild aches and pains, Greves recommends trying different supportive measures first, like ice and stretching for back pain.

Acetaminophen use in small doses for a short time is generally considered safe in pregnancy. Still, you should always talk to your doctor about any medication that you plan to take—even OTC drugs—while you are pregnant.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action. Nat Rev Endocrinol. Published online September 23, Food and Drug Administration.

FDA drug safety communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.