10 months ago
Texas AG Sues Tylenol Makers Over Alleged Hiding of Autism Risks
Imagine a popular pain medicine called Tylenol.
Some people, including a politician in Texas, think that if pregnant moms take Tylenol, their babies might be more likely to have conditions like autism.
The grown-ups who make Tylenol say this isn't true and that their medicine is safe.
But the Texas grown-up in charge of making sure companies tell the truth is suing the Tylenol makers.
He says they knew about this risk to babies' brains but didn't tell anyone.
The Tylenol company strongly disagrees and says they always followed the rules and that doctors agree their medicine is safe.
Other people have sued the Tylenol makers too, but one judge said there wasn't enough proof.
So now, Texas is trying to make sure companies are honest about any possible dangers, even if the science isn't totally settled yet.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the makers of Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue.
The lawsuit alleges that the companies hid evidence linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD.
Kenvue, the current maker of Tylenol, denies the claims, stating the drug is safe and the link to autism is unproven.
This lawsuit is the first by a state to seize on allegations that acetaminophen products can cause neurodevelopmental disorders.
Scientific studies on the link between acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders have produced mixed results, with some lacking conclusive proof of causation.
- Who
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the makers of Tylenol.
- What
- The lawsuit alleges that the companies hid the risks of Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy, linking it to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD in children.
- Where
- Texas
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday.
- Why
- Paxton claims the companies knowingly withheld evidence from consumers about Tylenol's potential links to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Tylenol Makers (Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue)
Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Claims companies knowingly withheld evidence linking Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD in children.
Tylenol Makers (Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue)
Rejects claims, asserting Tylenol's safety and lack of scientific support for a causal link to autism; cites global medical community agreement.
Company Structure and Liability
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Alleges Kenvue was created to shield Johnson & Johnson from liability related to Tylenol.
Tylenol Makers (Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue)
States Johnson & Johnson divested its consumer health business years ago, with Kenvue owning all associated rights and liabilities.
FDA Labeling Changes
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Supports the FDA's proposed warning label on Tylenol regarding a connection to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Tylenol Makers (Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue)
Opposes proposed FDA label changes, arguing they are not supported by existing science.
Key facts
- Plaintiff
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
- Defendants
- Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue
- Allegation
- Companies hid risks of Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy related to autism and ADHD.
- Legal Basis
- Violation of Texas law by not informing consumers of possible risks.
- Background
- Lawsuit follows President Trump's claims linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism.
- Scientific Evidence Status
- Studies have produced mixed results; some suggest a link, while others find no association when controlling for genetics.
Quotes
Melissa Witt
a spokesperson for Kenvue
“We will defend ourselves against these baseless claims and will respond per the legal process.”
telegraphindia.com
“We stand firmly with the global medical community that acknowledges the safety of acetaminophen and believe we will continue to be successful in litigation as these claims lack legal merit and scientific support.”
telegraphindia.com
Clare Boyle
a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson
“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.”
telegraphindia.com
Donald Trump
Former President
“Pregnant Women, DON’T USE TYLENOL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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