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Safety Of Use Of Paracetamol In Pregnancy

Safety Of Use Of Paracetamol In Pregnancy

Safety Of Use Of Paracetamol In Pregnancy

The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) ensures that Batswana have access to safe, effective, and
good-quality medical products. The Authority wishes to confirm and reassure the public that based on current
information paracetamol remains safe during pregnancy

Paracetamol is a commonly used drug including by pregnant women for the management of several conditions,
such as fever and pain. The Botswana medicines register contains more than 200 paracetamol containing products,
and these continue to be used in patient management. Furthermore, studies have proven that paracetamol is safe
to use during pregnancy owing to its minimal risk when used as directed by healthcare practitioner

The Authority periodically assesses any emerging safety information regarding medical products. Recently there
has been discussions concerning safety of use of paracetamol in pregnant women due to the potential risk to
the newborn. The Authority has conducted a robust evidence review, and to date, there haven’t been any clinical
studies that provide conclusive evidence that demonstrates that the use of paracetamol causes any higher risk
of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, further to this there are no reports related to neurodevelopment
disorders associated with paracetamol received by BoMRA. Therefore, the Authority reassures the public that the
safety of paracetamol remains the same for the general population and in pregnancy, pregnant women should take
paracetamol as directed by their healthcare professionals.

The public is advised to report any discomfort and or side effects experienced following the use of paracetamol to
their healthcare providers.

How to report Adverse Drug Reactions

Report any suspected ADRs or any discomfort experienced by a patient to BoMRA using any of the following BoMRA
platforms:

  1. ADR reporting forms: You may download the forms from the BoMRA website www.bomra.co.bw and email the
    completed form to reportadr@bomra.co.bw.
  2. E-reporting: Follow the Primary eReporting (who-umc.org) link available on the BoMRA website and complete
    the form online. BoMRA Regulatory Information Management System (BRIMS) Portal (bomra.co.bw) https://
    brims.bomra.co.bw/#/public/app-home.
  3. MedSafety App: For smartphones, use the ADRs reporting App, which is available in the Apple or Google Play
    stores.
  4. Phone reporting: Call BoMRA at 373 1727/ 20.
  5. Information and Support: For more information on medicine/vaccine safety, contact BoMRA National Medicines
    Information Centre at 373 1788/71 or via nmic@bomra.co.bw.

Reference List

  1. Prada D, Ritz B, Bauer ZA, Baccarelli AA. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and
    neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environmental Health. 2025;24(1).
  2. Okubo Y, Hayakawa I, Sugitate R, Nariai H. Maternal Acetaminophen Use and Offspring’s Neurodevelopmental
    Outcome: A Nationwide Birth Cohort Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2025.
  3. Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee P. PRAC recommendations on signals adopted at the 12-15
    March 2019 PRAC_en. 2019.
  4. Food and Drug Administration F. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain
    medicine use during pregnancy. 2015.
  5. Bauer ZA, Swan HS, Kriebel D, Liew Z, Taylor SH, Bornehag C-G, et al. Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call
    for precautionary action. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2021;17(12):757-66.
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Dr. Seima Dijeng

Dr Seima Dijeng is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BoMRA. Before assuming the acting appointment role, he served as the Director of Licensing and Enforcement, overseeing inspections and licensing of premises, laboratory services, import and export control, and enforcement.

A career regulatory professional with over 15 years of experience across both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. He has been part of the BoMRA executive management since 2018.

During his tenure as the Director, he coordinated the development of structures, processes, and guidelines to support regulatory activities and services for the licensing and enforcement department.

He holds a Master of Science in Food, Safety, and Risk Analysis from University College Dublin, the Republic of Ireland, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Dr. Kefentse Motshegwa

Dr. Motshegwa is the Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture. His illustrious career in veterinary services spans over 23 years in various positions within the veterinary space.

He previously served as Deputy Director – Compliance at the Department of Veterinary Services, Chairperson of the National Residue Committee, and Coordinator of Performance of Veterinary Services Evaluation for the World Organisation for Animal Health founded as OIE.

He brings to the Board a wealth of experience in compliance and regulation in animal health, food safety & veterinary medicines. He is a member of the Botswana Vaccine Institute Board of Directors.

He holds a Master of Science in Biology and Control Parasitic Diseases and Vectors from the University of Liverpool, School of Tropical Medicine, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University College Dublin, Ireland

Dr. Ditiro Duma Coyne

Dr. Coyne is a veterinarian with a career spanning over 15 years in mixed private practice in Gaborone. He has been actively involved in animal welfare and has been the veterinary advisor to the Botswana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for several years.

He was the President of the Botswana Veterinary Association for 8 years and has made great strides in advancing Continuous Professional Development for Veterinarians in the country. He brings to the Board vast experience in veterinary education and advocacy as well as Animal Health and Production.

He is currently the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Country Representative for Botswana.

He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and a Bachelor of Sciences Veterinary Biology both from Murdoch University, Australia.

Ms. Elizabeth Kelentse

Ms. Kelentse is the Pharmaceutical Care Improvement Specialist at the Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative.

She is an enthusiastic and hardworking Pharmacist who brings vast experience to the Board. Her career spans over 12 years from clinical pharmacy to community pharmacy, medicines regulatory experience in the evaluation of clinical trials protocols, and pharmacovigilance: health care management and public health programming.

She has served on the executive committees of the Pharmaceutical Society of Botswana, Botswana Health Professions Council, Young African Leaders Initiative Alumni as well as the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) University of West Indies St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.

Ms. Matshediso Matome

Ms. Matshediso Matome is a Faculty of Health Sciences lecturer at the University of Botswana. She is a seasoned academic who brings to the Board vast experience in the areas of research, health risk management, and delivery of innovative, quality, and cost- effective healthcare solutions for the public and private sectors.

Ms. Matome has previously served in various leadership and senior management positions, including Claims Manager and Head of Managed Care at the Associated Fund Administrators.

She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from, the State University of New York Buffalo, NY, USA, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy, from Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany, USA

Dr Kobedi Segale

Dr. Segale is the Registrar of the Veterinary Surgeons Council. He is a passionate veterinary surgeon with intimate experience in the regulation of the veterinary profession. He has previously served as Deputy Director – Disease Control Division, in the Department of Veterinary Services, responsible for national animal health strategies, programs, and legislation. Dr. Segale brings to the Board a wealth of experience in monitoring and evaluating animal health programs veterinary public health, import and export controls, and animal traceability.

He holds a Master of Science in Tropical Animal Health, from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium, and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University College of Dublin, Ireland.

Ms. Mmama Mhlanga – Fichani

Ms. Mhlanga – Fichani is the Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, at Khoemacau Copper Mining. She is a human resources professional with an illustrious career, spanning over15 years in senior management positions. She has held senior leadership positions in diverse industries including, Director of Human Resources at Air Botswana and the Country Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, Head of Human Resources at Be Mobile, Human Resources Manager at African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership and Human Resource Manager at Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority, respectively.

She brings to the Board vast experience in human resources and communication, organisational effectiveness, employee relations, and change management.

Ms. Mhlanga – Fichani holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Workforce Development from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Human Resources Management, and Marketing Management, from Fairmont College, West Virginia USA, and a Degree of Associate of Science in Business Science- Human Resources Management, September, Calhoun State Community College, Decatur, Alabama, USA.

Mr. Modisa Kebonyemodisa

Mr. Kebonyemodisa is a Partner at Kebonyemodisa Law Office, he is admitted attorney of the High Court of Botswana. Before venturing into private practice, he worked as a Senior Prosecution Counsel at the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Mr. Kebonyemodisa is an accomplished legal advisor with over 15 years of experience providing legal counsel to businesses of all sizes. He brings to the Board vast experience in legal practice, corporate law, and extensive knowledge in the legal profession.

He holds a Bachelor of Law degree from, the University of Botswana and Trial Advocacy, Justice Advocacy Training (NITA) (Botswana)

Ms. Tiny Ralefala

Ms. Ralefala is a finance professional with a proven record of leadership, corporate governance, and risk management.

Her impressive professional track record spans over 26 years in finance, audit and accounting in reputable institutions as well as in civil service.

She previously worked as the Chief Finance Officer for Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency. Prior to her joining Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency she worked as the Finance Manager at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

As a Chartered Financial Accountant, Ms. Ralefala brings to the Board a wealth of experience accustomed to managing projects in finance, audit and risk. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Botswana. Ms. Ralefala is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Accountants and the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants. She is the current Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants Practice Review Committee Chairperson.

Dr. Lorato Mangadi-Mokama

 Dr. Lorato Mangadi- Mokama is the  Head of Operations at the Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme.
She has previously held other  leadership roles within the private healthcare industry, including Chief Operations Officer at the Botswana Medical Aid Society and Managing Director at MRI Botswana Limited. Prior to that, she practiced as a medical doctor in the public health sectors of Australia and Botswana.

Healthcare administrator and funding expert, with her extensive background in the private healthcare industry, she brings to BoMRA a wealth of experience and knowledge in business management and leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle (Australia) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Botswana.

She also has various leadership and professional certifications including Executive Leadership Program from Wits Business School and Healthcare Economics from Harvard Business School

Dr. Kegomoditswe Biki Maphane

Dr Kegomoditswe Biki Maphane is the Senior Manager – Safety and Sustainability Development at Debswana Diamond Company, Jwaneng Mine. He is a specialist in Occupational Medicine, Safety & Sustainable Development.

He has held various positions within the Debswana mines, including the Jwaneng Mine Hospital superintendent, and rose to executive leadership.

Dr Maphane provides leadership to the BoMRA Board and oversees the governance and strategic direction of the Authority. He holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, and Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Melbourne, Australia