Donald Trump’s recent claim that Tylenol use during pregnancy could raise the risk of autism isn’t just rattling U.S. drugmakers—it’s causing anxiety among pharmaceutical companies halfway around the world.
At a Sept. 22 White House press conference, Trump said “new findings” showed acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient, might harm unborn children. He suggested the FDA would alert doctors, though no such guidance has been issued.
Kenvue, which makes Tylenol, pushed back immediately: “Independent and reliable research clearly shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism.” Health officials in the U.K. also dismissed the claim as unscientific.
But in South Korea, where acetaminophen is widely produced by major firms like GC Pharma, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Dong-A ST, Trump’s words are already having an impact. Pharmacists there report a spike in questions from pregnant women worried about which drugs are safe.
Industry officials warn that if the FDA moves to update Tylenol’s labeling, the ripple effects could hit global markets, forcing changes in countries that typically align with U.S. regulations.
“Even if companies say the drug is safe, consumers want confirmation from regulators—not politicians,” one South Korean industry insider said.
For now, the FDA has remained silent. South Korea’s drug safety authority has asked domestic manufacturers to submit data and said it will review any new evidence carefully before acting.
