Message shared on behalf of Anthony McDavitt, Director of Pharmacy NHS Shetland, and Jacqueline Whitaker, Chief Midwife, Women’s and Child Health Manager NHS Shetland
We understand there may be some distress and confusion caused following recent news reports concerning the use of paracetamol in pregnancy. We are sharing the advice from the UK’s independent medicines regulator, the MHRA.
The MHRA’s guidance on paracetamol
After reviewing the available evidence, the MHRA has issued the following guidance:
- Paracetamol remains the safest choice of painkiller medication to use during pregnancy.
- There is no scientific evidence to show a link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and the development of autism.
The MHRA’s advice for any pregnant person needing to manage pain or fever is to:
- Treat pain and fever – a high temperature can be a risk to an unborn baby, so it’s important to manage this with recommended treatments.
- Use the lowest dose that works.
- Use it for the shortest possible time.
Who is the MHRA?
The MHRA is the official body responsible for making sure all medicines in the UK are safe. Their teams review scientific evidence and safety data from around the world.
https://www.gov.uk/.../mhra-confirms-taking-paracetamol...
Here in Shetland, we follow this expert national guidance. If you have any questions, please speak with your midwife, GP, or pharmacist. They can help you in applying this advice and supporting decisions for treatment depending on your circumstances.