If you’ve seen the recent headlines or social media posts about acetaminophen, you may have questions. You’re not alone. Parents and parents-to-be want to make the safest choices for their families — and that starts with trusted information.

There are no studies showing that acetaminophen use in children or during pregnancy causes autism. Leading medical organizations agree: it is safe for use when taken as directed and under the guidance of your doctor.

What The Experts Say

As the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains, “Acetaminophen is one of the only safe pain relievers for pregnant individuals.” Untreated fever during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as birth defects, preterm labor, or miscarriage. Taking acetaminophen as directed is often the safer choice to help manage pain or reduce a fever.

Parents often treat their kids’ fevers, aches, and pains with medicines that contain acetaminophen. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirms that “acetaminophen is safe for children when taken, or dosed, correctly.” For dosing charts and guidance on safe acetaminophen use for children, click here.

Leading health organizations continue to affirm the safety of acetaminophen. Read more expert commentary: