Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the makers of Tylenol, alleging that they deliberately concealed the drug’s purported connections to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This legal action follows a recent statement by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children, a claim lacking medical support and scientific backing. Johnson & Johnson had been marketing Tylenol for over six decades before spinning off Kenvue in 2023, which now handles the brand. Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol.
Kenvue has consistently defended the safety of Tylenol, emphasizing its importance as a pain reliever for pregnant women throughout their pregnancies. The company expressed concern over the spread of false information regarding the safety of acetaminophen.
In response to Paxton’s lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson refrained from commenting and highlighted that Kenvue assumes all responsibilities and liabilities associated with the over-the-counter product sales, including Tylenol. Following the lawsuit announcement, shares of Kenvue dropped by up to 2.4%, while Johnson & Johnson saw a decline of up to 1.6% in morning trading.
Paxton’s complaint, lodged in a Texas state court in Panola County, alleged that the companies violated Texas laws against deceptive trade practices by concealing risks associated with Tylenol, particularly during pregnancy. Paxton also accused Johnson & Johnson of infringing on laws against fraudulent transfers by separating Kenvue to evade liabilities.
Moreover, Trump’s administration had previously implied a heightened risk of autism associated with acetaminophen usage, prompting the FDA to consider altering labeling on acetaminophen products. Despite these claims, Health Canada maintained that Tylenol remains a safe treatment for fever and pain during pregnancy, as directed by healthcare providers.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada reiterated the safety of Tylenol for pregnant women when necessary. Several families have filed lawsuits alleging that their children developed autism or ADHD due to Tylenol exposure during pregnancy, with legal proceedings ongoing. Johnson & Johnson also faces litigation from numerous plaintiffs alleging cancer diagnoses following the use of talc products.