The State of Texas Top Legal Officer Sues Acetaminophen Producers Concerning Autism Claims

Texas Attorney General Paxton is taking legal action against the makers of Tylenol, alleging the companies concealed alleged dangers that the drug created to children's cognitive development.

The lawsuit follows a month after Former President Trump publicized an unverified association between using acetaminophen - referred to as acetaminophen - while pregnant and autism spectrum disorder in offspring.

Paxton is taking legal action against J&J, which once produced the medication, the sole analgesic recommended for pregnant women, and Kenvue, which now manufacturers it.

In a declaration, he said they "deceived the public by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the dangers."

The company states there is lacking scientific proof tying Tylenol to autism.

"These manufacturers lied for decades, intentionally threatening millions to increase profits," Paxton, a Republican, said.

The company commented that it was "deeply concerned by the spread of false claims on the security of paracetamol and the possible consequences that could have on the welfare of women and children in America."

On its online platform, Kenvue also stated it had "continuously evaluated the pertinent research and there is insufficient valid information that shows a proven link between using acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder."

Organizations acting on behalf of physicians and medical practitioners concur.

The leading OB-GYN organization has stated acetaminophen - the main ingredient in acetaminophen - is among limited choices for expectant mothers to manage pain and fever, which can present major wellness concerns if not addressed.

"In multiple decades of investigation on the use of acetaminophen in gestation, no reliable research has successfully concluded that the consumption of paracetamol in any trimester of pregnancy results in neurodevelopmental disorders in children," the group stated.

The court filing mentions current declarations from the former administration in arguing the medication is reportedly hazardous.

Last month, the former president raised alarms from health experts when he advised pregnant women to "struggle intensely" not to take acetaminophen when ill.

The US Food and Drug Administration then released a statement that physicians should contemplate reducing the usage of Tylenol, while also declaring that "a proven link" between the medication and autism in children has not been proven.

The Health Department head Robert F Kennedy Jr, who supervises the FDA, had promised in April to conduct "extensive scientific investigation" that would determine the origin of autism in a limited time.

But experts warned that discovering a single cause of autism spectrum disorder - thought by researchers to be the consequence of a complex mix of genetic and surrounding conditions - would not be simple.

Autism spectrum disorder is a category of permanent neurological difference and condition that influences how persons experience and relate to the world, and is diagnosed using physician assessments.

In his court filing, Paxton - aligned with the former president who is campaigning for US Senate - alleges the manufacturer and Johnson & Johnson "deliberately disregarded and attempted to silence the research" around acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder.

The case seeks to make the firms "destroy any commercial messaging" that asserts Tylenol is secure for women during pregnancy.

This legal action parallels the concerns of a collection of guardians of children with autism and ADHD who filed suit against the manufacturers of Tylenol in 2022.

A federal judge rejected the legal action, declaring investigations from the family's specialists was lacking definitive proof.