Texas Sues Tylenol Maker, Citing Autism Dangers and 'Deception'

[ad_1] Texas Legal professional Basic Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Tuesday towards Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff Kenvue, accusing them of concealing proof that Tylenol could improve autism danger when taken throughout being pregnant.

The swimsuit alleges the businesses “deceptively marketed” acetaminophen as secure for expectant moms regardless of research suggesting doable hyperlinks to neurodevelopmental issues.

Paxton claims Johnson & Johnson knew of potential dangers for years and spun off Kenvue in 2023 to protect itself from future legal responsibility.

“That is about company deception and defending Texas households,” Paxton mentioned in a press release asserting the submitting.

The lawsuit follows renewed nationwide debate after President Donald Trump and Well being and Human Companies Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned pregnant girls towards utilizing Tylenol.

In a September White Home briefing, Trump mentioned, “No mom ought to take this drug whereas carrying a toddler.”

Kennedy echoed the warning in October, calling Tylenol use throughout being pregnant “irresponsible” given what he known as “mounting proof” of hurt.

Trump repeated warnings concerning the treatment in a weekend submit on his Fact Social account.

Some medical consultants dispute these assertions, noting that no causal hyperlink between acetaminophen and autism has been confirmed.

The FDA continues to record acetaminophen because the most secure over-the-counter ache reliever for being pregnant when used as directed, whereas cautioning that untreated fever could pose its personal risks.

The Texas grievance mirrors claims from a federal multidistrict litigation in New York that was dismissed after judges excluded professional testimony connecting acetaminophen to autism or ADHD.

Regardless of that setback, a number of state instances have moved ahead, and Paxton’s submitting is probably the most aggressive state-level motion thus far.

The lawsuit accuses Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue of violating the Texas Misleading Commerce Practices Act and seeks civil penalties and restitution.

Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson deny any wrongdoing and preserve that Tylenol’s labeling and security knowledge meet all federal requirements.

The case could reignite the nationwide debate over company accountability and prenatal drug security, a problem Trump and Kennedy have vowed to “expose” as a part of their well being reform push.

Paxton framed the swimsuit as a part of that broader effort, saying Texas is “holding Large Pharma accountable for placing income earlier than mother and father.”