Texas Attorney General Sues Makers of Tylenol
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the makers of Tylenol, accusing the companies of failing to warn consumers about risks of taking the drug while pregnant.
In the suit filed Tuesday, Paxton, a Republican, said Johnson & Johnson and spinoff company Kenvue hid information about the drug’s link to autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The suit follows warnings from President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. last month that using Tylenol during pregnancy can cause autism. Scientists say that link is not proven.
“Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks,” Paxton said in a statement. “These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets.”
Background on the Suit
Paxton’s suit is the first of its kind by a state and comes as he is challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary next year. The attorney general has filed a slew of lawsuits and investigations that align with the Trump administration, including challenging the results of the 2020 election and investigating cereal makers for using artificial dyes.
Kennedy, the country’s health secretary and a vaccine skeptic, has said he wants to end childhood diseases and has made autism in particular a priority.
Response from Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue
In a statement Tuesday to The Dallas Morning News, Johnson & Johnson said it “divested its consumer health business years ago, and all rights and liabilities associated with the sale of its over-the-counter products, including Tylenol (acetaminophen), are owned by Kenvue.”
Kenvue said it would vigorously defend itself against Paxton’s accusations, which the company said “lack legal merit and scientific support.”
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products,” the company said in an email to The News. “We are deeply concerned by the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of acetaminophen and the potential impact that could have on the health of American women and children.”
FILE – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton makes a statement at his office, May 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Eric Gay / AP
The Science Behind the Suit
The research on acetaminophen use during pregnancy is mixed but has not conclusively found that Tylenol causes neurodevelopmental disorders.
A 2024 study in Sweden, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of a child having a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Another research review, published in the journal Environmental Health in August, found a possible link. Trump and Kennedy pointed to this study when they warned against taking Tylenol.
The authors of the review, however, also warned that pregnant women should not stop taking acetaminophen when needed.
“We recommend judicious acetaminophen use — lowest effective dose, shortest duration — under medical guidance, tailored to individual risk–benefit assessments, rather than a broad limitation,” the authors wrote.
Conclusion
The suit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the makers of Tylenol has sparked a heated debate about the safety of the drug during pregnancy. While some studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders, others have found no conclusive evidence. As the lawsuit moves forward, it is essential to consider the scientific evidence and the potential impact on pregnant women and their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit is about the makers of Tylenol allegedly failing to warn consumers about the risks of taking the drug while pregnant.
Q: What are the risks associated with taking Tylenol during pregnancy?
A: Some studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD. However, other studies have found no conclusive evidence.
Q: What do the companies say about the lawsuit?
A: Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue say that the lawsuit lacks legal merit and scientific support. They also express concern about the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of acetaminophen.
Q: What should pregnant women do about taking Tylenol?
A: Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication, including Tylenol. They should also follow the recommended dosage and duration of use.
