Trump plunges Kenvue shares after claiming paracetamol is linked to autism

U.S. President Donald Trump has plunged shares of the pharmaceutical company Kenvue, saying on Monday that its painkiller Tylenol (active ingredient - paracetamol) is linked to autism. Kenvue's stock price fell 7% to its lowest level since it was spun off from parent company Johnson & Johnson, according to Financial Time .

Tylenol holds a significant share of the US paracetamol market and is the most recognized brand of the drug in the country.

According to Trump, pregnant women and infants should not take Tylenol. "Just don't take it unless you absolutely have to. Fight as hard as you can to avoid taking it," he said at a White House event .

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has begun the process of changing the labeling of paracetamol to warn of possible increased risks of autism and attention deficit disorders. The regulator also sent a letter to physicians recommending that they consider minimizing the use of paracetamol during pregnancy when treating mild fevers.

The publication Nature indicates that professional studies do not confirm the link between paracetamol and autism. Even if such a link exists, it is very small and does not mean that the drug causes autism.

Kenvue has also stated that Tylenol is not linked to autism. "We believe that independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen [the name used for paracetamol in the United States] does not cause autism. Acetaminophen is the safest option for pregnant women to take as needed throughout pregnancy," the company said .

• In 2021, Johnson & Johnson decided to split into two companies. One produces cosmetics and sanitary products, and the other focuses on the production of medical equipment and medicines.
• The name Johnson & Johnson was retained by the company that produces medicines (Darzalex, Erleada, Imbruvica, Stelara, etc.) and medical equipment. Consumer brands such as Neutrogena, Tylenol, Listerine, Johnson's, Band-Aid were acquired by the new company Kenvue.