Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the makers of Tylenol, alleging that they concealed risks associating the drug’s use during pregnancy with an increased likelihood of autism in children. This legal action challenges the long-standing medical consensus on the safety of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
The lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Panola County, Texas, targets Johnson & Johnson, which previously owned the Tylenol brand, and Kenvue, the current manufacturer. Paxton accuses the companies of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act by knowingly marketing Tylenol as the only safe pain reliever for pregnant women while allegedly hiding scientific evidence of potential neurodevelopmental risks. He stated that the corporations “betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks,” and seeks to hold them accountable for endangering public health.
In his complaint, Paxton claims that early exposure to acetaminophen significantly increases the risk of autism and other disorders in children. The lawsuit cites recent political developments, including comments from President Donald Trump last month that suggested a link between Tylenol and autism, though medical experts have consistently disputed such connections. Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, frames the suit as part of a broader effort to “Make America Healthy Again” by confronting pharmaceutical companies over their marketing practices.
Kenvue has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that there is no credible scientific data linking acetaminophen to autism. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and stated it will “vigorously defend” against the claims, which it says lack legal merit and scientific support. Johnson & Johnson, meanwhile, clarified that it divested its consumer health business years ago and that all liabilities now rest with Kenvue, distancing itself from the current litigation.
Medical experts and professional organizations have echoed these defenses. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has repeatedly affirmed that acetaminophen is one of the few safe options for managing pain and fever during pregnancy, conditions that can pose serious health risks if untreated. They caution that unfounded claims could lead to unnecessary anxiety and avoidance of beneficial treatments, potentially harming maternal and fetal health.
The lawsuit emerges in a politically charged context, following Trump’s remarks and subsequent FDA guidance that advised caution but stopped short of confirming a causal relationship. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to investigate autism causes, though experts note the condition’s multifactorial origins, involving genetic and environmental factors. This legal battle reflects ongoing tensions between legal assertions and scientific evidence in public health debates.
If successful, the lawsuit could compel the companies to destroy marketing materials claiming Tylenol’s safety for pregnant women and pay civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. However, similar past litigation, such as a 2022 case filed by parents, has been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The outcome may influence public perception and usage of over-the-counter medications, highlighting the need for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
As the case proceeds, it underscores broader debates about pharmaceutical accountability, evidence-based medicine, and the impact of political rhetoric on public health. Patients are advised to consult healthcare providers before making decisions about medication use during pregnancy, ensuring informed choices based on reliable medical guidance rather than unproven claims.