Texas's Attorney General Sues Big Pharma Over Tylenol Marketing Allegations
In a significant move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff company Kenvue, alleging that they deceptively marketed Tylenol to pregnant women, despite potential risks of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The suit claims that the companies violated Texas's consumer protection laws by failing to provide adequate warnings about the medication.
Paxton's lawsuit comes on the heels of a statement from President Donald Trump warning pregnant women not to take Tylenol unless "absolutely necessary" and advising against giving it to children under any circumstances. The suit marks the first time a state has taken legal action against the companies over these claims.
The pharmaceutical industry has repeatedly defended Tylenol, with Kenvue stating that acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women. The company also disputes assertions that Tylenol may cause autism, citing "sound science" that shows taking the medication does not lead to autism.
Medical groups have also come out in support of the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calling the Trump administration's guidance on Tylenol "irresponsible."
The lawsuit has sparked criticism from a Republican senator facing a primary challenge from Paxton. John Cornyn accused Paxton of trying to line the pockets of trial lawyers and questioned his qualifications to advise on medical issues.
The dispute over Tylenol and its potential risks highlights the ongoing debate about the safety of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how courts will rule on the companies' marketing practices and whether they complied with consumer protection laws.
In a significant move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff company Kenvue, alleging that they deceptively marketed Tylenol to pregnant women, despite potential risks of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The suit claims that the companies violated Texas's consumer protection laws by failing to provide adequate warnings about the medication.
Paxton's lawsuit comes on the heels of a statement from President Donald Trump warning pregnant women not to take Tylenol unless "absolutely necessary" and advising against giving it to children under any circumstances. The suit marks the first time a state has taken legal action against the companies over these claims.
The pharmaceutical industry has repeatedly defended Tylenol, with Kenvue stating that acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women. The company also disputes assertions that Tylenol may cause autism, citing "sound science" that shows taking the medication does not lead to autism.
Medical groups have also come out in support of the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calling the Trump administration's guidance on Tylenol "irresponsible."
The lawsuit has sparked criticism from a Republican senator facing a primary challenge from Paxton. John Cornyn accused Paxton of trying to line the pockets of trial lawyers and questioned his qualifications to advise on medical issues.
The dispute over Tylenol and its potential risks highlights the ongoing debate about the safety of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how courts will rule on the companies' marketing practices and whether they complied with consumer protection laws.