Doctors in the UAE have urged caution over unsubstantiated claims by US President Donald Trump linking a widely used over-the-counter painkiller with autism.
Mr Trump advised pregnant women not to use paracetamol, known as Tylenol in the US, after asserting that it increases the risk of autism in children.
He said on Monday the US Food and Drug Administration would be updating guidance to doctors.
Paracetamol, chemically the same drug used in the UAE, is typically the go-to medication for use during pregnancy and while breast-feeding to treat mild to moderate pain.
The association with autism is contrary to medical research and consistent science that has proved the drug is safe to use during pregnancy.
Dr Meera Anto, a specialist gynaecologist at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, said women should not be misled into avoiding such pain-relieving drugs by Mr Trump's remarks.
“Though a few studies have shown a possible association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism, these studies have important limitations and do not prove causation," Dr Anto said.
"On the other hand, high fever in pregnancy is clearly harmful to both the mother and the baby, and paracetamol remains the safest antipyretic recommended in pregnancy when compared to NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs], which have proven adverse effects.
"As with any medication, it should be taken in moderation and only when clinically indicated. However, statements such as the one made by Mr Trump should not mislead women into avoiding paracetamol when it is prescribed for genuine medical reasons."
Dr Waseem Dar, a specialist neurologist at RAK Hospital, said that while studies raising possible links to autism should be assessed, Mr Trump's comments did not take into account crucial gaps in research.
"Recent studies have suggested a possible link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in children," he said.
"However, these studies have important limitations. Many did not account for factors like fever or migraine during pregnancy, both of which themselves influence foetal brain development.
"All medicines should be used cautiously and judiciously during pregnancy, and this includes paracetamol as well," he added. "However, based on current evidence, increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism can’t be linked to pre-natal paracetamol use, especially given the lack of robust meta-analyses."
The doctor stressed that a rise in autism cases can also be explained by "better healthcare services, improved physician training, broader diagnostic criteria and growing awareness among parents through social media and other platforms".
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong development disorder that affects communication skills and social interaction. Symptoms usually appear in early years and can affect learning, motor skills and attention span.
Causes are not yet fully understood, although scientists believe genetics play a part.
However, untreated pain and fever can cause problems for unborn children, doctors said.
There is no specific guidance in the UAE for taking paracetamol while pregnant. The Emirates Drug Establishment, the federal authority responsible for regulating all medical and pharmaceutical products in the UAE, has been contacted for comment.
In the UK, Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the advice could put unborn babies at risk.
“Patient safety is our top priority,” she said. “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.
"Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.
“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence.
“Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.
“We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance.”
Untreated pain or fever during pregnancy can impair foetal development, and increase the risk of birth defects. Heart conditions, brain and spinal impairments can arise, with untreated pain also linked with premature births and miscarriage. Pregnant women who do not treat pain can also experience health problems such as high blood pressure, dehydration and depression.
The latest advice on acetaminophen was prompted by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jnr, who also supported a debunked theory that vaccines may be a cause of autism.
However, medical groups around the world continue to support the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, including trusted organisation the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
When should paracetamol be taken during pregnancy?
Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration. If pain is not resolved, patients are advised to seek advice from healthcare professionals.
What will change?
Nothing is likely to change. Drug safety is regularly reviewed by the Emirates Drug Establishment in accordance with any new scientific research to ensure the benefits to the patient and unborn baby outweigh any risks.
Should I stop taking paracetamol if pregnant?
No. According to medical advice, patients should not stop taking their pain medicine, because untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn child. Women should consult their family doctor for further clarification.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Match will be shown on BeIN Sports
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed
Based: Muscat
Launch year: 2018
Number of employees: 40
Sector: Online food delivery
Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception
Teams
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
