In this episode of The Double Scrub Podcast, Dr. Scott Curtis and Dr. Radhika Sharma break down the latest controversy surrounding Tylenol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy and the alleged link to autism.
They unpack what the science really says — separating causation from association, reviewing key studies from JAMA, Environmental Health, and JAMA Psychiatry, and explaining why study design and control groups matter.
The doctors also discuss the risks of untreated fever in pregnancy, the political and media reactions that have fueled public anxiety, and how misinformation spreads faster than evidence.
The episode wraps with actionable takeaways for patients and providers, emphasizing shared decision-making, trust in healthcare, and the importance of evidence-based guidance over fear-driven headlines.
👉 Referenced studies:
Ahlqvist et al., JAMA 2024
Ji et al., JAMA Psychiatry 2020
Prada et al., Environmental Health 2025
Acetaminophen is safe when indicated and used as directed.
Association ≠ causation — small observational links do not prove Tylenol causes autism.
Untreated fever in pregnancy can increase maternal and fetal risk.
Patients should not feel guilty about using Tylenol appropriately.
Discuss concerns with your OB-GYN before making medication changes.
Misinformation and mistrust can harm public health.
Shared decision-making builds confidence and clarity in care.
