The State of Texas Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Acetaminophen Makers Concerning Autism Assertions
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the manufacturers of acetaminophen, claiming the corporations withheld safety concerns that the medication presented to children's cognitive development.
This legal action follows thirty days after Former President Trump promoted an unsubstantiated connection between taking Tylenol - referred to as acetaminophen - while pregnant and autism in children.
The attorney general is filing suit against J&J, which once produced the drug, the sole analgesic recommended for expectant mothers, and Kenvue, which currently produces it.
In a statement, he said they "betrayed America by profiting off of discomfort and marketing drugs ignoring the dangers."
Kenvue says there is lacking scientific proof connecting acetaminophen to autism.
"These manufacturers deceived for years, knowingly endangering numerous people to line their pockets," Paxton, a Republican, said.
The manufacturer commented that it was "very worried by the perpetuation of misinformation on the reliability of paracetamol and the likely effects that could have on the health of women and children in America."
On its website, Kenvue also said it had "continuously evaluated the pertinent research and there is lacking reliable evidence that demonstrates a proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder."
Organizations acting on behalf of doctors and healthcare providers share this view.
ACOG has stated paracetamol - the main ingredient in acetaminophen - is a restricted selection for women during pregnancy to address pain and fever, which can pose major wellness concerns if ignored.
"In more than two decades of studies on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, zero credible investigations has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any period of pregnancy results in neurological conditions in offspring," the association said.
The lawsuit references current declarations from the Trump administration in claiming the drug is potentially dangerous.
In recent weeks, the former president generated worry from public health officials when he instructed women during pregnancy to "fight like hell" not to consume acetaminophen when unwell.
Federal regulators then issued a notice that physicians should think about restricting the usage of acetaminophen, while also stating that "a proven link" between the medication and autism spectrum disorder in minors has remains unverified.
The Health Department head RFK Jr, who oversees the Food and Drug Administration, had promised in spring to initiate "a massive testing and research effort" that would determine the origin of autism in a limited time.
But authorities warned that finding a single cause of autism - believed by scientists to be the consequence of a intricate combination of genetic and environmental factors - would not be simple.
Autism spectrum disorder is a form of lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how people experience and relate to the surroundings, and is recognized using medical professional evaluations.
In his lawsuit, the attorney general - who supports Trump who is seeking the Senate - claims the manufacturer and J&J "intentionally overlooked and sought to suppress the evidence" around acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder.
This legal action attempts to require the firms "eliminate any commercial messaging" that states Tylenol is secure for pregnant women.
This legal action echoes the complaints of a collection of mothers and fathers of young ones with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who filed suit against the manufacturers of Tylenol in 2022.
A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, saying research from the plaintiffs' authorities was lacking definitive proof.