Maltese shrug off Trump’s paracetamol-autism link, pharmacists report ‘no concern’

While doctors in Malta report fielding anxious queries from some expectant mothers following a baseless claim by former US President Donald Trump, a spot-check by BusinessNow.mt has found that the vast majority of the Maltese public appears to be dismissing the controversy, with local pharmacies reporting business as usual.

Last week, Trump sparked confusion and concern on social media by claiming a link between the common painkiller paracetamol – also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol – and autism. Tylenol is a specific brand in the US while in Malta the most popular paracetamol brand is Panadol.

The remark, made without evidence, led doctors in Malta to reassure a number of worried pregnant women about the safety of the widely used medication.

However, when BusinessNow.mt spoke to eight pharmacies across Malta and Gozo – including in Birkirkara, Qormi, Sliema, Naxxar, St. Paul’s Bay, and Qala – the response was overwhelmingly consistent: the alleged link has not translated into concern on the ground.

The vast majority of pharmacists reported that they have not been asked any questions by customers or pregnant people about the safety of paracetamol, nor have they seen a demand for alternatives.

One pharmacist, echoing what appears to be the general sentiment, dismissed Trump’s comment as “nonsense,” adding that it seems “people have used their common sense.”

This public reaction stands in contrast to the initial wave of anxiety noted by medical professionals. Edward Zammit, president of the Malta College of Family Doctors, confirmed that a number of expectant mothers had already reached out to their doctors for advice.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets worse – more panic,” he had said, while simultaneously stressing that paracetamol is considered safe in pregnancy.

“Pregnant women are advised to talk to their doctors to clarify any doubts purely for their peace of mind. Paracetamol is definitely safe, and there is no link to autism. But reassurance from their doctor can go a long way towards helping them navigate an already stressful period.”

The medical reassurance is backed by the latest and largest scientific evidence. The strongest data to date comes from a massive 2023 Swedish study of 2.5 million children. It found only a minuscule difference in autism rates between children exposed to paracetamol in utero (1.42 per cent) and those who were not (1.33 per cent).

Crucially, when the researchers compared siblings – where one was exposed to the drug during pregnancy and the other was not – they found no difference in autism risk. This strongly suggests that earlier studies which indicated a link were likely skewed by other factors.

For now, it seems the Maltese public has largely seen through the noise.