Separating Fact From Fear on Tylenol, With Jubril Oyeyemi, M.D.

Jubril Oyeyemi, M.D., founder and CEO of the Cherry Hill Free Clinic, addressed recent concerns about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy and its possible link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. His key message: The research shows an association, not proof of cause.

Oyeyemi compared the current evidence to saying roosters cause the sun to rise — both may happen together, but one doesn’t directly cause the other. While the results of large studies, including a Swedish sibling study and data published in JAMA, have indicated a modest increase in risk (around 20%), no causal relationship has been proven. Importantly, some studies rely on people recalling how much acetaminophen they took years ago, which introduces recall bias and limits reliability.

He urged patients to leave interpretation of these complex data to experts such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who are best equipped to identify whether a third factor may be behind the observed association.

Oyeyemi also highlighted that the reason a pregnant person needs acetaminophen — often fever or significant pain — may pose greater risks to mother and baby than the medication itself. For example, untreated high fevers can be harmful during pregnancy. From a doctor’s perspective, every decision comes down to weighing risks versus benefits. If a patient is experiencing migraines, fever or severe pain, the benefit of treating those symptoms may outweigh the potential risks of the medicine.

His guidance for pregnant patients is reassuring: If your health care provider recommends acetaminophen, it is safe to use at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time. The goal is always to relieve suffering without unnecessary exposure. He emphasized that the public should not interpret the announcement as a directive to avoid acetaminophen altogether, but rather as encouragement for thoughtful, careful use under medical supervision.

Ultimately, Oyeyemi’s advice is clear: Don’t panic about the headlines. Acetaminophen remains an important tool during pregnancy, and when used appropriately, it is safe. Pregnant patients should consult their doctors before making any changes, rather than relying on media reports or social media debates.