Dive Brief:
- A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Tylenol/paracetamol reduced testosterone produce in mice grafted with human testicular tissue.
- Tylenol is regularly used to ease pain and reduce fever during all stages of pregnancy.
- Based on the study results, the researchers, who are based at Edinburgh University are recommending that painkillers should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Dive Insight:
Although the study data that have led to this conclusion are preclinical, the results are concerning. After 24 hours of exposure to paracetamol, the mice had normal testosterone levels; however, after seven days of exposure, the amount of testosterone fell by 45%.
It should also be noted that the grafted tissue in the mice reproduced results that are meaningul in humans. The availability of this data will most likely lead to revised guidelines on use of paracetamol/Tylenol during pregnancy.