UC Berkeley Study Rebutts Trump Tylenol Autism Claims for Valley Parents

Glenwood Springs —Glenwood Springs, Colo. — The Wellness Letter from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health just dropped a new issue, and it’s asking a question that has landed on the kitchen tables of every parent in the valley: Is Tylenol safe?

To hear them tell it, the answer is a resounding yes. But for the last few months, that simple truth has been muddied by a claim from the Trump administration linking acetaminophen to autism, ADHD, and other neurological conditions when taken during pregnancy.

The column by Feinsinger in the Post Independent lays out the counter-argument clearly. The administration’s stance, he wrote, is not based on science. Instead, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists relies on large studies to classify acetaminophen as safe during pregnancy. The logic is straightforward: untreated fevers have been linked to birth defects and other fetal problems, so "toughing it out" is not a recommended strategy.

The question is whether the public will believe the science or the headlines.

Acetaminophen, developed in the 1880s and widely available since Tylenol elixir hit shelves in 1955, remains the safest over-the-counter pain medication. It treats mild to moderate pain — menstrual cramps, headaches, backaches, muscle aches, sore throats, toothaches, and degenerative arthritis, and reduces fever. It does not have anti-inflammatory properties, a distinction that matters when you’re choosing between it and the other shelf-staplers.

For those who prefer to avoid acetaminophen, or for whom it isn’t the right tool, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are the alternatives. But they come with a different set of trade-offs.

NSAIDs relieve pain and fever, but they also decrease inflammation. That mechanism is why they’re effective for joint pain, but it’s also what makes them harder on the body. Side effects include an increased risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, esophageal irritation, elevated blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Feinsinger advised taking them with food to reduce stomach irritation, a small habit that can make a big difference for folks who take them regularly.

There’s also diclofenac (Voltaren), an NSAID in gel form for osteoarthritic joint pain. It’s absorbed through the skin, but because it can enter the bloodstream, it carries the same side-effect profile as oral ibuprofen and naproxen.

Aspirin, present in willow bark used by Native Americans to treat pain and fever since before it was first used in American medicine in 1899, is effective for pain and fever but off-limits for children and teenagers due to Reye’s syndrome. It should be taken after eating, and the Post Independent noted that coated aspirin may not be as effective as noncoated.

The math holds up when you look at dosing. Acetaminophen is safe to take intermittently at doses up to 4,000 mg a day. Long-term daily use of high doses can cause a rise in blood pressure, and accidental or intentional overdoses - especially in combination with alcohol; can cause liver damage. The Post Independent was blunt on this point: don’t use it for hangovers.

For locals, the practical advice isn’t about picking a side in a political argument. It’s about knowing what you’re putting in your body and why. The Post Independent doesn’t tell readers which drug to choose; it gives them the facts so they can make that call with their doctor.

Feinsinger closes on a note of practical caution: the safest approach is to use these medications as directed, in moderation, and with an awareness of their specific profiles. The science is clear on acetaminophen’s safety during pregnancy, and the alternatives have their own well-documented risks.

The choice is yours, but it’s an informed one now.