Tylenol-maker shares hit after report RFK Jr will suggest autism link

Summary

Tylenol-maker shares hit after report RFK Jr will suggest autism linkNatalie ShermanBBC News, New YorkAnadolu via Getty ImagesTylenol-maker Kenvue has said its popular pain reliever is safe, as shares in the firm dropped sharply after a report that US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr would would potentially link autism to use of the medication in pregnancy.Kenvue shares fell 14% before recovering slightly to end Friday trading down 9.5% as the firm spoke out to defend its over-the-counter drug.The company has faced lawsuits for years alleging a possible link between autism and use of Tylenol, which is known as paracetamol in the UK. The US Department of Health and Human Services said claims about the contents of its much-anticipated autism report were speculation. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy is expected to issue the findings this month, citing Tylenol use while pregnant as a potential cause of autism.The newspaper said the federal report is expected to recommend a specific type of the vitamin folate as a way to treat the disorder.The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement to the BBC: "We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America's unprecedented rise in autism rates."US doctors typically recommend that pregnant women in need of pain relief take Tylenol, or another form of acetaminophen, rather than ibuprofen, which is sold as Advil.Researchers have noted that acetaminophen is important for treating maternal fever and pain, which can also harm children.Watch: Key moments from RFK Jr’s heated Senate hearingKenvue said in a statement: "We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism."The company said leading medical organisations agreed on the safety of acetaminophen and its use during pregnancy.It added: "We advise expecting mothers to speak to their healthcare professionals before taking any over-the-counter ...