Tylenol Autism Claim Sparks Controversy After Trump’s White House Announcement

An old social media post from Tylenol has gone viral. This follows comments from former President Donald Trump about a potential link to autism. Trump made the remarks during a press conference at the White House on Monday.

He advised pregnant women and new mothers to avoid the common pain reliever. The announcement caused immediate confusion and concern among the public. It also led to a sharp drop in the stock of Tylenol’s parent company.

Company Scrambles to Clarify Eight-Year-Old Statement

The viral post is from Tylenol’s X account in 2017. It states, “We actually don’t recommend using any of our products while pregnant.” This post was reshared by US government accounts after Trump’s speech. According to Bloomberg, shares of Kenvue Inc., Tylenol’s parent company, fell 2.2 percent.

A company spokesperson quickly responded to the renewed attention. They told Bloomberg the old post was “incomplete.” They clarified it did not represent their full guidance on the product’s safety. The company maintains that acetaminophen is the safest pain relief option during pregnancy when used as directed.

Medical Experts Question Basis for New FDA Warning

During his announcement, Trump stated the FDA would begin notifying doctors about a potential risk. He said acetaminophen use “can be associated” with an increased risk of autism. The announcement appeared to rely on existing, debated studies rather than new research.

Medical experts have called the remarks irresponsible. They point to a lack of conclusive evidence supporting the claim. The move aligns with Trump’s long-standing skepticism of established medical guidelines, including childhood vaccine schedules. This has raised concerns about the influence of political statements on public health.

The situation highlights the powerful impact of political rhetoric on consumer behavior and financial markets. It also underscores the ongoing challenge of communicating complex scientific information clearly. The Tylenol autism claim will likely fuel further debate about medication safety and autism research.

Info at your fingertips

What did the old Tylenol post say?

The 2017 post stated, “We actually don’t recommend using any of our products while pregnant.” The company now says this was an incomplete response taken out of context from its full safety guidance.

What is acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It is known as paracetamol in most countries outside the United States. It is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer.

How did financial markets react?

According to Bloomberg, shares of Kenvue Inc. fell following the news. The stock closed down 2.2 percent on the day of Trump’s announcement, reflecting immediate investor concern.

What is the scientific consensus on Tylenol and autism?

Major medical organizations have not confirmed a causal link. Some studies suggest a potential association, but experts state the evidence is not conclusive and more research is needed.

What did Trump say about vaccines?

Trump repeated debunked claims about vaccines contributing to autism. He did not provide new medical evidence to support these statements during the press conference.