The State of Texas Top Legal Officer Files Lawsuit Against Tylenol Manufacturers Regarding Autism Spectrum Claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against the makers of acetaminophen, asserting the firms concealed alleged dangers that the medication created to pediatric neurological development.
The lawsuit follows thirty days after President Donald Trump publicized an unsubstantiated connection between using acetaminophen - referred to as paracetamol - throughout gestation and autism in children.
Paxton is filing suit against J&J, which once produced the drug, the exclusive pain medication suggested for expectant mothers, and Kenvue, which presently makes it.
In a official comment, he claimed they "betrayed America by gaining financially from suffering and marketing drugs regardless of the risks."
The company asserts there is no credible evidence connecting acetaminophen to autism spectrum disorder.
"These corporations misled for generations, deliberately risking millions to boost earnings," Paxton, a Republican, stated.
Kenvue said in a statement that it was "very worried by the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of acetaminophen and the potential impact that could have on the welfare of women and children in America."
On its website, Kenvue also mentioned it had "consistently assessed the applicable studies and there is lacking reliable evidence that demonstrates a established connection between taking acetaminophen and autism."
Associations speaking for physicians and health professionals agree.
ACOG has declared paracetamol - the main ingredient in acetaminophen - is among limited choices for women during pregnancy to treat discomfort and elevated temperature, which can pose serious health risks if not addressed.
"In over twenty years of studies on the use of acetaminophen in gestation, no reliable research has conclusively proven that the use of acetaminophen in any stage of gestation results in neurological conditions in children," the association commented.
The lawsuit references recent announcements from the previous government in claiming the medication is potentially dangerous.
Recently, Trump generated worry from public health officials when he advised pregnant women to "resist strongly" not to use acetaminophen when sick.
The FDA then issued a notice that physicians should consider limiting the use of acetaminophen, while also stating that "a proven link" between the medication and autism spectrum disorder in children has not been established.
Health Secretary Kennedy, who oversees the Food and Drug Administration, had vowed in spring to undertake "comprehensive study program" that would establish the cause of autism in a limited time.
But experts cautioned that finding a sole reason of autism spectrum disorder - believed by scientists to be the result of a intricate combination of genetic and external influences - would be difficult.
Autism spectrum disorder is a type of permanent neurological difference and impairment that affects how people experience and relate to the surroundings, and is recognized using doctors' observations.
In his lawsuit, Paxton - who supports Trump who is seeking the Senate - claims Kenvue and J&J "intentionally overlooked and sought to suppress the science" around acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder.
The lawsuit aims to force the corporations "remove any promotional materials" that claims Tylenol is secure for expectant mothers.
The Texas lawsuit parallels the complaints of a collection of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who sued the producers of acetaminophen in two years ago.
Judicial authorities dismissed the case, stating studies from the family's specialists was inconclusive.