Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giants Johnson & Johnson and its consumer health spin-off Kenvue, alleging that the companies failed to adequately warn consumers about potential risks associated with using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy.
The suit, filed in a Texas state court, claims that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may be linked to increased risks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Paxton accused the companies of deceptive marketing and withholding critical safety information from the public.
“These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets,” Paxton said in a statement released Tuesday.
NAN reports that the lawsuit follows updated federal guidance issued in September 2025, advising against the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
However, leading medical associations have stated that current scientific evidence remains inconclusive, and acetaminophen continues to be widely recommended when used appropriately.
Kenvue, which took over Tylenol’s consumer operations after its separation from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, has defended the drug’s safety profile, asserting that it remains one of the most trusted pain relief options for pregnant women.
The case marks the first state-level legal challenge of its kind and could have far-reaching implications for pharmaceutical labeling and consumer protection in the United States.
