The State of Texas Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Tylenol Makers Regarding Autism Claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of acetaminophen, alleging the firms concealed alleged dangers that the pain reliever created to pediatric neurological development.
This legal action arrives a month after President Donald Trump advocated an unproven link between taking Tylenol - alternatively called acetaminophen - while pregnant and autism spectrum disorder in young ones.
Paxton is suing J&J, which previously sold the medication, the only pain reliever suggested for expectant mothers, and Kenvue, which currently produces it.
In a official comment, he said they "misled consumers by making money from pain and pushing pills without regard for the dangers."
The company asserts there is lacking scientific proof linking Tylenol to autism.
"These manufacturers deceived for years, deliberately risking millions to boost earnings," Paxton, a Republican, declared.
The manufacturer commented that it was "seriously troubled by the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of paracetamol and the possible consequences that could have on the welfare of American women and children."
On its official site, the company also said it had "regularly reviewed the relevant science and there is insufficient valid information that shows a verified association between using acetaminophen and autism."
Associations representing physicians and healthcare providers share this view.
ACOG has stated paracetamol - the primary component in Tylenol - is a restricted selection for pregnant women to address pain and elevated temperature, which can present significant medical dangers if ignored.
"In over twenty years of research on the utilization of paracetamol in gestation, not a single reputable study has conclusively proven that the use of paracetamol in any stage of gestation causes neurological conditions in offspring," the organization stated.
The lawsuit mentions current declarations from the Trump administration in arguing the drug is potentially dangerous.
Last month, Trump generated worry from health experts when he told pregnant women to "fight like hell" not to use acetaminophen when unwell.
Federal regulators then released a statement that doctors should think about restricting the usage of acetaminophen, while also mentioning that "a proven link" between the medication and autism in minors has not been proven.
Health Secretary RFK Jr, who oversees the Food and Drug Administration, had vowed in April to conduct "comprehensive study program" that would establish the cause of autism in a short period.
But authorities advised that identifying a sole reason of autism spectrum disorder - considered by experts to be the outcome of a complex mix of inherited and environmental factors - would not be simple.
Autism is a type of lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how individuals encounter and interact with the environment, and is identified using physician assessments.
In his legal document, Paxton - who supports Trump who is seeking federal office - alleges the manufacturer and J&J "intentionally overlooked and tried to quiet the evidence" around acetaminophen and autism.
The lawsuit aims to force the companies "destroy any marketing or advertising" that claims acetaminophen is secure for expectant mothers.
The Texas lawsuit mirrors the complaints of a assembly of mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who sued the makers of acetaminophen in 2022.
Judicial authorities dismissed the legal action, stating investigations from the parents' expert witnesses was inconclusive.