Emergency room orders for Tylenol, or acetaminophen, decreased by 10% in the months following former President Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated claims linking the pain reliever to an increased risk of autism in children, according to a new study published in The Lancet. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,600 hospitals, found no corresponding decrease in acetaminophen orders for non-pregnant patients, suggesting a direct correlation between Trump’s September 2025 announcement and changes in medical care sought by pregnant individuals.
Trump publicly urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, stating, “Taking Tylenol is not great — I’ll say it: It’s not good.” This statement, made during a White House press conference, contradicted decades of scientific research and prompted immediate criticism from medical experts. Despite the lack of evidence supporting a link between acetaminophen and autism, the study reveals a swift and measurable impact on patient behavior.
The research, led by Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, indicates the change in ordering patterns was “overnight.” “The president’s words had an immediate impact on how much Tylenol or acetaminophen was being ordered in emergency departments,” Dr. Faust stated. It remains unclear whether patients actively declined Tylenol or if physicians reduced prescriptions, but researchers believe it was likely a combination of both.
The potential consequences of reduced pain and fever management during pregnancy are significant. “This is thousands of women not getting pain control or not getting fever reduction when they need it, when they want it, when they would benefit from it,” Dr. Faust explained. The study focused solely on emergency department visits and did not account for Tylenol use outside of hospital settings.
Impact on Prescribing Patterns and Patient Behavior
Dr. Caleb Alexander, an epidemiology professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, wasn’t surprised by the study’s findings. “Words matter,” he said, “and when they arrive from someone with as big an audience as the president of the United States, they can change prescriber and patient behavior.” Even as the study showed a return to normal Tylenol consumption by December, Dr. Alexander noted that lasting changes in prescribing patterns typically require more than a single event.
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, acknowledged the shift in consumption, stating that Tylenol consumption “improved” in December during an investor call. However, the company maintains its stance on the safety of acetaminophen, with spokesperson Melissa Witt stating, “We stand with science and continue to believe that there is no credible data that shows a proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism.”
Leucovorin Prescriptions Also Saw a Spike
The study also examined the impact of Trump’s suggestion that leucovorin, a B vitamin, could be used as a treatment for autism. Prescriptions for leucovorin rose sharply following the announcement, but unlike Tylenol use, those prescriptions had not returned to baseline levels by early December. Notably, there have been no large-scale clinical trials to validate the efficacy of leucovorin in treating autism.
The Trump administration’s claims regarding Tylenol and autism stem from a September 22, 2025, press conference where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Promised announcements pinpointing the causes of autism. According to a report by FactCheck.org, the administration’s suggestions went beyond established research. The USA Today reported that health experts say no single source is likely to blame for autism and that acetaminophen is considered safe for use.
The events highlight the potential for political messaging to influence healthcare decisions, even in the face of scientific consensus. As Tylenol use normalizes, the long-term effects of the administration’s statements on public trust in medical advice and the potential for similar impacts in the future remain to be seen.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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