The State of Texas Top Legal Officer Sues Tylenol Makers Concerning Autism Spectrum Allegations
The top legal official in Texas Ken Paxton is filing a lawsuit against the makers of Tylenol, alleging the firms withheld potential risks that the medication posed to pediatric neurological development.
The court filing follows thirty days after President Donald Trump promoted an unproven link between taking acetaminophen - referred to as acetaminophen - throughout gestation and autism spectrum disorder in young ones.
Paxton is suing the pharmaceutical giant, which previously sold the medication, the exclusive pain medication suggested for pregnant women, and the current manufacturer, which currently produces it.
In a declaration, he said they "misled consumers by gaining financially from suffering and marketing drugs ignoring the potential hazards."
Kenvue asserts there is insufficient reliable data tying acetaminophen to autism spectrum disorder.
"These corporations deceived for years, deliberately risking millions to boost earnings," Paxton, a Republican, declared.
Kenvue stated officially that it was "seriously troubled by the spread of false claims on the safety of paracetamol and the possible consequences that could have on the well-being of women and children in America."
On its online platform, the company also said it had "consistently assessed the relevant science and there is no credible data that demonstrates a established connection between using acetaminophen and autism."
Associations acting on behalf of doctors and health professionals agree.
The leading OB-GYN organization has said acetaminophen - the main ingredient in acetaminophen - is a restricted selection for pregnant women to treat pain and fever, which can pose major wellness concerns if not addressed.
"In multiple decades of studies on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, zero credible investigations has successfully concluded that the consumption of acetaminophen in any stage of pregnancy causes neurological conditions in offspring," the association commented.
The court filing references latest statements from the Trump administration in claiming the drug is potentially dangerous.
Last month, the former president generated worry from medical authorities when he advised women during pregnancy to "resist strongly" not to consume Tylenol when sick.
Federal regulators then published an announcement that doctors should contemplate reducing the usage of acetaminophen, while also mentioning that "a causal relationship" between the medication and autism spectrum disorder in minors has not been established.
Health Secretary RFK Jr, who supervises the Food and Drug Administration, had promised in spring to conduct "comprehensive study program" that would determine the origin of autism spectrum disorder in a limited time.
But specialists cautioned that finding a unique factor of autism spectrum disorder - considered by experts to be the outcome of a intricate combination of genetic and surrounding conditions - would not be simple.
Autism is a type of enduring cognitive variation and disability that impacts how people experience and engage with the world, and is identified using doctors' observations.
In his legal document, Paxton - who supports Trump who is seeking US Senate - alleges the manufacturer and J&J "willfully ignored and attempted to silence the research" around acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder.
This legal action aims to force the firms "remove any commercial messaging" that states acetaminophen is reliable for pregnant women.
This legal action mirrors the complaints of a assembly of parents of children with autism and ADHD who sued the producers of Tylenol in recently.
Judicial authorities rejected the case, stating investigations from the family's specialists was lacking definitive proof.