The State of Texas Attorney General Sues Acetaminophen Makers Over Autism Spectrum Claims

Legal Action
Ken Paxton, a Trump ally seeking election to US Senate, accused the drug companies of withholding the risks of acetaminophen

Texas Attorney General Paxton is suing the manufacturers of Tylenol, alleging the firms hid potential risks that the medication created to children's brain development.

The court filing follows thirty days after President Donald Trump publicized an unproven link between using Tylenol - referred to as acetaminophen - during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder in children.

Paxton is suing Johnson & Johnson, which formerly manufactured the medication, the only pain reliever approved for women during pregnancy, and the current manufacturer, which currently produces it.

In a statement, he stated they "misled consumers by profiting off of pain and promoting medication regardless of the potential hazards."

Kenvue asserts there is insufficient reliable data linking acetaminophen to autism spectrum disorder.

"These manufacturers deceived for years, intentionally threatening countless individuals to boost earnings," Paxton, a Republican, declared.

Kenvue said in a statement that it was "very worried by the spread of false claims on the security of acetaminophen and the possible consequences that could have on the health of American women and children."

On its online platform, Kenvue also mentioned it had "consistently assessed the applicable studies and there is lacking reliable evidence that shows a proven link between consuming acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder."

Associations representing medical professionals and healthcare providers share this view.

The leading OB-GYN organization has declared acetaminophen - the primary component in Tylenol - is a restricted selection for expectant mothers to address discomfort and elevated temperature, which can pose significant medical dangers if ignored.

"In over twenty years of investigation on the consumption of paracetamol in gestation, not a single reputable study has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any stage of gestation results in neurological conditions in children," the group said.

The court filing cites current declarations from the previous government in arguing the drug is reportedly hazardous.

In recent weeks, Trump generated worry from health experts when he advised women during pregnancy to "resist strongly" not to use Tylenol when unwell.

Federal regulators then issued a notice that medical professionals should contemplate reducing the usage of acetaminophen, while also declaring that "a proven link" between the medication and autism in minors has not been proven.

The Health Department head Kennedy, who supervises the FDA, had vowed in April to undertake "extensive scientific investigation" that would establish the source of autism spectrum disorder in a matter of months.

But authorities warned that identifying a sole reason of autism - believed by scientists to be the result of a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors - would be difficult.

Autism is a category of lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how people experience and engage with the world, and is diagnosed using doctors' observations.

In his lawsuit, the attorney general - who supports Trump who is running for the Senate - asserts the manufacturer and Johnson & Johnson "deliberately disregarded and sought to suppress the research" around acetaminophen and autism.

The case aims to force the companies "eliminate any marketing or advertising" that claims acetaminophen is secure for women during pregnancy.

The court case parallels the concerns of a assembly of guardians of children with autism and ADHD who sued the manufacturers of acetaminophen in recently.

The court rejected the lawsuit, saying studies from the family's specialists was not conclusive.

Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez

Lena is a seasoned mountaineer and writer, sharing her passion for alpine exploration and eco-friendly travel practices.