The FDA's website is featuring an article on pain
medications and pregnancy due to several recent studies highlighting
problems with common pain relievers and pregnancy. One issue that received attention is a recent
large study that demonstrated an association between acetaminophen use during
pregnancy and subsequent ADHD.
The FDA's article says there are a number
of reasons why it is too soon to be sure that acetaminophen causes ADHD. First, the research that has been done
doesn't separate out whether women who take acetaminophen during pregnancy are
more likely to have children with ADHD before they take the medication. For example, if women who have ADHD have more
headaches, they might take more acetaminophen.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have children with ADHD due to
genetic risk, not due to acetaminophen use.
Second, there are other studies which show no association
with acetaminophen use and attentional problems. Granted, the conflicting study was at least
10 times smaller and did not assess for ADHD in particular, but it did conclude
that acetaminophen was not associated with attentional problems.
However, at this time, the FDA is urging caution for
pregnant women who are considering using acetaminophen. Pregnant women who are in pain should discuss
with their physician whether acetaminophen is the best treatment for their
pain, or if nonmedicinal methods such as physical therapy, massage, or
chiropractic may be as effective and less risky. Unfortunately, prolonged or severe pain can
also pose problems for pregnancy, so some pain should be treated with
medication, despite the risk that medication may pose. For many women, acetaminophen may still be
the least risky option.
Reference:
Liew, Z., B. Ritz, C. Rebordosa, P. C. Lee, and J.
Olsen. "Acetaminophen Use during Pregnancy, Behavioral Problems, and
Hyperkinetic Disorders." JAMA Pediatrics 168.4 (2014): 313-20. Web.
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