Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the makers of Tylenol, alleging that they concealed the drug’s potential connections to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The legal action follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, though his claims lack scientific support.
Johnson & Johnson had sold Tylenol for over sixty years before creating Kenvue in 2023 to handle the brand. Kenvue has maintained that Tylenol is safe for pregnant women and intends to contest Paxton’s allegations.
In response, Kenvue stated, “Acetaminophen is the safest pain relief option for pregnant women when necessary throughout pregnancy,” expressing concerns over misinformation about the drug’s safety. Johnson & Johnson refrained from commenting on Paxton’s lawsuit, clarifying that Kenvue bears responsibility for Tylenol’s sale.
Following the lawsuit, shares of Kenvue dropped by up to 2.4%, while Johnson & Johnson shares dipped by as much as 1.6%. Paxton’s complaint, filed in a Texas court, accuses the companies of violating state laws by not disclosing the risks associated with Tylenol use during pregnancy.
The attorney general referenced recent statements by Trump and the U.S. FDA regarding acetaminophen’s potential risks, emphasizing that Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue failed to inform pregnant women adequately. Paxton also criticized the spin-off of Kenvue as an attempt to avoid liability.
Health Canada countered Trump’s claims, asserting that acetaminophen, including Tylenol, is safe for fever and pain when used as directed during pregnancy. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the painkiller’s safety during pregnancy.
Numerous families have filed lawsuits alleging that Tylenol use during pregnancy led to autism or ADHD in their children. Although some of these cases were dismissed, appeals are ongoing. Johnson & Johnson is facing legal challenges from thousands of plaintiffs who claim to have developed cancer from using its talc products.
These legal battles highlight the controversy surrounding Tylenol and its alleged health risks, prompting rigorous scrutiny from both legal authorities and health organizations.