Group of Scientists Wants Common Painkiller to be Investigated to See if it Affects Fetal Development

13 international scientists have called on the health care community to thoroughly investigate the painkiller acetaminophen (APAP) to see if it impacts fetal development in the womb.

The statement was published in the Nature Reviews Endocrinology journal on Thursday and stated that mounting research shows that “prenatal exposure to APAP might alter fetal development, which could increase the risks of some neurodevelopmental, reproductive and urogenital disorders.”

Although the statement is not suggested guidance, it encourages health care providers and regulators to look into the research.

“The authors are not recommending anything counter to what is already done by obstetrician-gynecologists when prescribing acetaminophen for a given clinical condition,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, vice president of practice activities for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who was not involved in the statement.

“However, as always, any medication taken during pregnancy should be used only as needed, in moderation, and after the pregnant patient has consulted with their doctor,” he added.

91 scientists from around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Israel, Scotland, and both the UK and US, cautioned pregnant women to “forgo use” of acetaminophen while pregnant, “unless its use is medically indicated.”

The group also feels that women should still minimize their drug exposure by using the lowest effective dose, even after getting approval from a doctor.

“There are good medical reasons for pregnant women to use APAP, after consulting physicians or pharmacists, and that is for fever and severe pain,” said David Kristensen, an associate professor of cell biology and physiology at the University of Copenhagen and one of the 13 co-authors of the statement.

Nearly a third of pregnant women across the world are using APAP while pregnant. Usually for headaches, muscle pain, and back pain.

“Data suggests more than 50% of women worldwide are using APAP during their pregnancies,” Kristensen said. “Many of these women do not consider APAP as a true medication that can have potential side effects.

“It is those women who do not consider it as a true medication that we are trying to reach and want them to reflect a moment on their use,” he added.

Acetaminophen has been the only pain reliever health care providers generally feel is safe for use throughout pregnancy. If it proves harmful to pregnant women, it will leave them with even fewer options, CNN reported.