Trump’s Claims Spark PR Crisis for Tylenol’s Parent Company

U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a public relations crisis for Kenvue, the parent company of Tylenol, by asserting without evidence that the painkiller’s active ingredient, acetaminophen, is linked to autism spectrum disorder when used during pregnancy. “Don’t take it. Fight like hell not to take it,” Trump stated on September 23, 2023, prompting immediate backlash from medical professionals and the pharmaceutical industry.

Experts warn that Trump’s claims lack scientific support. Kenvue responded swiftly, emphasizing in a statement to CBC News that “independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.” The company expressed deep concern about the potential health risks and confusion this misinformation might pose for expecting mothers.

Medical Community Responds

The backlash was immediate. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), along with numerous other health organizations globally, reiterated existing medical guidelines that indicate no causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism. Dr. Darine El-Chaar, a spokesperson for the SOGC, expressed disappointment, stating, “It was a really disappointing comment to hear as a health-care provider.”

The World Health Organization and the European Medical Association also reinforced that there is no strong scientific evidence supporting Trump’s assertions. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged that “a causal relationship has not been established” between acetaminophen and neurological conditions, despite plans to update Tylenol packaging with safety labels.

The public’s perception of Tylenol is now under scrutiny, with many healthcare providers reporting increased anxiety among patients who fear the implications of taking the medication. Dr. El-Chaar noted that her patients have begun to question the safety of Tylenol during pregnancy, highlighting the potential for stigma against autistic individuals.

Kenvue’s Path Forward

In light of the situation, Kenvue must navigate a complex public relations landscape. According to Carol Levine, CEO and co-founder of Energi PR, the company now bears the burden of proof to reestablish its safety measures. “The burden of proof is on the company to reintroduce their safety measures,” she remarked.

Public relations experts suggest that Kenvue may benefit from collaborating with other pharmaceutical companies to launch educational campaigns that clarify the safety of acetaminophen. “There is an opportunity here for competitors to huddle under the same tent,” Levine said, advocating for joint efforts that could amplify their message against misinformation.

Julie McCarthy, co-founder and president of BlueSky Communications, acknowledged the challenges of managing misinformation while delivering accurate health information. She emphasized that the company must closely monitor discourse on social media and engage swiftly to mitigate confusion. “In any crisis, and particularly this one, speed makes a huge difference,” McCarthy noted, praising Kenvue’s prompt response.

As the conversation surrounding Trump’s claims continues, healthcare professionals fear that misinformation could lead patients to avoid safer medications in favor of potentially harmful alternatives, such as ibuprofen, which is not recommended after the 20-week mark of pregnancy due to serious complications.

The fallout from Trump’s comments may extend well beyond Tylenol. Levine warned that the trend of medical misinformation is likely to persist, with potential implications for various medications and vaccines. “Today, it’s Tylenol; tomorrow it’ll be something else,” she cautioned.

For now, patients are left grappling with conflicting information while health care professionals strive to redirect their focus towards providing care rather than managing the repercussions of misinformation. Dr. El-Chaar lamented, “This is a make-work project. Our efforts should be put towards finding therapies and breakthroughs instead of correcting misinformation.”