EOF: Paracetamol remains safe during pregnancy — No changes to guidelines
The Greek National Organization for Medicines (EOF) has confirmed that existing guidelines regarding the use of paracetamol during pregnancy remain unchanged, following recent public discussion triggered by controversial statements from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a formal statement, the EOF referred to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which reiterates that paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) may be used during pregnancy to relieve pain or fever if clinically necessary.
According to the EMA, there is currently no new scientific evidence requiring a revision of current EU recommendations. As with all medications used during pregnancy, paracetamol should be taken at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration, and only when needed.
The EMA notes that a large volume of data from pregnant women who used paracetamol does not indicate an increased risk of birth defects or adverse effects on the unborn child or newborn.
A 2019 EMA review of studies on potential neurodevelopmental effects in children exposed to paracetamol in the womb also found no conclusive evidence linking the drug to developmental disorders such as autism.
“Paracetamol remains an important option for treating pain or fever in pregnant women,” said Steffen Thirstrup, Chief Medical Officer of the EMA. “Our recommendations are based on rigorous assessment of available scientific data, and we have found no evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy causes autism in children.”
The EOF advises pregnant women to always consult their doctor before taking any medication. Regulatory authorities, including the EMA and EOF, will continue to monitor the safety of paracetamol and review new data as it becomes available.
