The government has assured the public that the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy is safe.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) noted that paracetamol remains a recommended medicine for the relief of pain and fever in pregnant women, provided it is taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
The PPB’s Pharmacovigilance Division dispelled claims linking the use of paracetamol during pregnancy with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines in Kenya and globally.
“While some studies have suggested possible links between its use during pregnancy and conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, there is no conclusive scientific evidence confirming these associations.” The statement noted.
Adding that: “The PPB’s Pharmacovigilance Division noted that it has not received any reports linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to ASD or ADHD. The Division continues to monitor the safety of medicines used during pregnancy to protect the health of mothers and children.”
The Health Ministry through PPB issued guidelines to the public on the use of paracetamol in pregnancy that include: Use of paracetamol only when necessary at the correct dose and duration, and strictly under the prescription of a qualified healthcare provider.
Similarly the Health Ministry urged the public to avoid self-medication saying pregnant women should not take any medicine, including paracetamol, without the guidance of a qualified health professional.
The healthcare providers have also been called upon to counsel pregnant women on the safe and appropriate use of paracetamol and other medicines during pregnancy.
PPB reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through continuous monitoring of the safety of medicines, including those used during pregnancy, and will provide timely updates as necessary.
Members of the public as well as healthcare providers have been urged to report any suspected side effects of medicines and report through: Pharmacovigilance Electronic Reporting System (PVERS): http://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/, email: pv@ppb.go.ke, or on telephone number- 0795743049, for self reporting by public, dial *271# as well as MPvERS mobile app which is available on App Store and Google Play Store.
