Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the makers of Tylenol, alleging that they deliberately concealed the drug’s suspected connection to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This legal action follows recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, despite lacking scientific backing.
For over sixty years, Johnson & Johnson marketed Tylenol before transferring part of its operations to Kenvue in 2023, which currently sells the product under the brand name. Acetaminophen is the generic term for this pain reliever.
Kenvue has consistently defended the safety of Tylenol, emphasizing its suitability for pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. In response to Paxton’s lawsuit, Kenvue stated its commitment to challenging the allegations and expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation regarding acetaminophen safety.
While Johnson & Johnson refrained from commenting on the lawsuit, they clarified that Kenvue assumes all responsibilities and liabilities related to the sale of its over-the-counter products, including Tylenol. Following the legal developments, shares of Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson experienced declines in morning trading.
Paxton’s legal complaint, lodged in a Texas state court in Panola County, highlighted the failure of Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue to disclose the risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy, despite purported acknowledgments by the federal government regarding the potential links to autism and ADHD.
Additionally, Paxton accused Johnson & Johnson of violating Texas laws against deceptive trade practices and fraudulent transfers by allegedly concealing risks and restructuring the company to evade accountability. The attorney general referenced Trump’s statements cautioning against Tylenol usage except when absolutely necessary, reiterating similar sentiments in a recent social media post.
In response to the controversy, Health Canada defended the safety of Tylenol during pregnancy, emphasizing the lack of conclusive evidence linking acetaminophen to developmental disorders. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada echoed similar sentiments, affirming the painkiller’s safety for pregnant women when used as prescribed.
Numerous families have pursued legal action against Tylenol manufacturers, alleging that their children developed autism or ADHD due to maternal Tylenol use during pregnancy. Although some cases were dismissed, appeals are pending in federal courts. Johnson & Johnson faces additional legal challenges from plaintiffs claiming cancer diagnoses following the use of talc products.
Overall, the lawsuit against Tylenol makers underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the drug’s safety during pregnancy and its alleged connections to developmental disorders.
