South Korea’s drug regulator said it would review the opinions and documents provided by the companies regarding acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol.
“Since the U.S. government’s announcement contained little substance, we have no additional comments,” South Korea’s food and drug safety ministry said on Sept. 24. “However, we plan to request relevant papers and data from paracetamol importers and manufacturers.”
Here’s how other countries reacted to the U.S. announcement:
“Paracetamol remains an important option to treat pain or fever in pregnant women. Our advice is based on a rigorous assessment of the available scientific data and we have found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.”
“There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.”
“Paracetamol may be used to reduce pain or fever during pregnancy, provided there is a clinical need, following the recommendation to use the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration, and as little frequency as possible. This recommendation has not changed. Available data have not found any causal relationship between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.”
“Paracetamol (acetaminophen), widely used for the treatment of fever and pain, can be used during pregnancy if clinically necessary. The available data show no association with an increased risk of autism or malformations in the fetus or newborn.”
“There is no scientific evidence of a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and developmental disorders such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorders. In particular, there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. However, in certain medical situations, taking medication is necessary to avoid endangering the mother and the unborn child, for example in cases of high fever.”
“Robust scientific evidence shows no causal link between the use of paracetamol in pregnancy and autism or ADHD, with several large and reliable studies directly contradicting these claims. Paracetamol remains the recommended treatment option for pain or fever in pregnant women when used as directed.”
“Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established. WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.”
