The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has confirmed that Kenya has not recorded any cases of babies developing neurodevelopmental disorders due to the use of Paracetamol by women during pregnancy.
In a statement on Thursday, October 2, PPB CEO Ahmed Mohamed said that while the Pharmacovigilance Division, which monitors the safety of medicines, has not received any report, it will remain vigilant in monitoring the safety of those medicines to guarantee the safety of the mother and the child.
Despite some scientific studies linking the use of the drug during pregnancy to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there has never been solid proof to justify the claims, according to PPB.
"The PPB's Pharmacovigilance Division has not received any reports linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to ASD or ADHD. The Division continues to monitor the safety of medicines used during pregnancy to protect the health of mothers and children," Mohamed said.
"Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines in Kenya and globally. While some studies have suggested possible links between its use during pregnancy and conditions such as ASD or ADHD in children, there is no conclusive scientific evidence confirming these associations," Mohamed said.
According to the board, paracetamol remains a recommended, widely used medicine for the relief of pain and fever in pregnant women. However, one should also be careful while using it.
The board has urged pregnant women to ensure that they take these medicines strictly as prescribed by medical doctors, avoid self-medication, and always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
"The Board wishes to address concerns regarding the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy. It reassures the public that paracetamol remains a recommended medicine for the relief of pain and fever in pregnant women, provided it is taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional," Mohamed said.
United States President Donald Trump had claimed that the US Food and Drug Administration would notify doctors that using a common paracetamol during pregnancy was associated with an 'increased risk of autism.'
However, in response, the World Health Organisation (WHO) dismissed these claims, stressing that no consistent association has been found between the use of painkillers during pregnancy and autism.
WHO, in a statement on Thursday, September 22, noted that autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition arising from multiple factors, which are not fully understood, including genetics and early brain development.
“Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade. At this time, no consistent association has been established,” WHO said.
