Lawsuit claims Tylenol poses autism risk to children
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, alleging that they “deceptively” marketed Tylenol to pregnant mothers, claiming the medication increases the risk of autism in children, reports BritPanorama.
The lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Panola County, Texas, follows President Donald Trump’s recent comments linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism risk, despite longstanding evidence supporting the medication’s safety profile. Paxton contends that the companies misrepresented Tylenol as the only safe pain reliever for expectant mothers.
In a statement, Paxton criticized the pharmaceutical industry, asserting, “Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks.” As the Republican attorney general and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, he emphasized the importance of holding these corporations accountable.
The legal action claims violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, suggesting that the companies concealed the dangers associated with acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to market their product as safe.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and requests the companies to destroy any marketing materials implying Tylenol’s safety for pregnant women. Additionally, it demands civil penalties of $10,000 per violation.
Kenvue responded, asserting that consumer health is their priority and expressing concern over the spread of misinformation regarding acetaminophen’s safety. Johnson & Johnson did not provide immediate comment but reiterated their commitment to defend their products vigorously.
Experts remain divided on the issue, noting that autism’s origins are multifaceted. Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, highlighted concerns about the irresponsible implications of claims linking acetaminophen to autism, emphasizing the medicine’s necessity for managing conditions that could endanger both mothers and fetuses.
The developing narrative adds complexity to ongoing debates surrounding medication safety in pregnancy, drawing attention from various stakeholders, including medical professionals and public health advocates.
