Tylenol/Acetaminophen ADHD and Autism Lawsuit

Pregnant women exercise a lot of caution for the safety of their unborn children. The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid raw seafood, caffeine, alcohol, undercooked meats, unpasteurized foods, and much more. Now, women may need to add Tylenol to their list of concerns. Recent studies show a link between Tylenol and certain neurological disorders like ADHD and autism. Some researchers caution that Tylenol use during pregnancy may impact brain development in babies. Reach out today to learn more about how a Tylenol/Acetaminophen ADHD and Autism lawsuit can help you. 

Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of parents of children diagnosed with ADHD or autism after the use of Tylenol/acetaminophen during pregnancy.

What is Tylenol? 

Tylenol is a type of over-the-counter drug that contains acetaminophen. This medication acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is one of the most common drug ingredients in the United States and is found in over 600 medications. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association estimates that 52 million consumers take acetaminophen every week. People take Tylenol, or acetaminophen, to alleviate discomforts like: 

  • Headaches
  • Backaches
  • Arthritis pain
  • Toothaches
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Fevers

Tylenol Use During Pregnancy

Many women experience pain and discomfort while pregnant. Pregnant women may look to Tylenol to ease aches and suffering. Two U.S. studies found that 65-70 percent of women used acetaminophen anytime during pregnancy. Health professionals generally consider Tylenol safe to use while pregnant. In fact, for many years the general consensus was that Tylenol (or acetaminophen) is the safest over-the-counter pain reliever during pregnancy. 

New scientific studies raise concerns over the effects of acetaminophen during pregnancy. In 2019, John Hopkins University and the U.S. Department of Human Health Services found that babies exposed to acetaminophen were nearly three times more likely to develop ADHD or autism. Other studies in Denmark and Spain associated acetaminophen use while pregnant with higher rates of autism. 

In 2020 Columbia University found that acetaminophen impairs brain development in the fetus. This exposure may lead to ADHD and other neurological disorders. Researchers ask doctors to reconsider the side effects of Tylenol during pregnancy. Over the last few years, studies have produced stronger evidence suggesting that maternal use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) increases a baby’s risk of developing autism or ADHD. However, studies have indicated this link for over a decade. 

The FDA on Tylenol 

The FDA places Tylenol under Pregnancy Category B. This means the drug has not shown fetal risks. The agency states it cannot make any recommendations at this time with the limited studies. Yet, the FDA advised that women should carefully consider pain medicines while pregnant and always consult their doctor. 

Disorders Linked to Tylenol Use During Pregnancy

Various agencies found potential risks associated with Tylenol use during pregnancy. Babies of mothers who took Tylenol while pregnant may develop: 

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Decreased IQ levels
  • Language delays
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Tylenol/Acetaminophen ADHD and Autism Lawsuits

In just a few weeks, 19 Tylenol lawsuits have been filed. These lawsuits target acetaminophen manufacturers and pharmacies. Experts expect more lawsuits in the coming months. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturers and pharmacies failed to inform consumers of the risks acetaminophen poses to babies during pregnancy. Companies withheld warnings that traced Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD. Without this information, many women unknowingly exposed their babies to lifelong disorders.

On June 10, 2022, attorneys filed a motion to consolidate Tylenol/Acetaminophen ADHD and Autism Lawsuits and create a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The motion named Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, and Safeway as defendants. These chains all sell generic store-brand acetaminophen which research has linked to autism and ADHD. A panel will hear the oral arguments to centralize the cases in late September 2022.

In a major update for acetaminophen lawsuits, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation officially consolidated acetaminophen ADHD and autism lawsuits in October 2022. MDL-3043 covers lawsuits filed against retailers for failing to warn about the in-utero effects of acetaminophen on fetal brain development. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote will oversee the MDL, which currently contains 66 pending lawsuits. 

Did you take Tylenol (or acetaminophen) while pregnant and your baby was diagnosed with autism or ADHD? Then you may be entitled to compensation.

Can I Recover Compensation in a Tylenol/Acetaminophen ADHD and Autism Lawsuit?

If you took Tylenol (acetaminophen) while pregnant and your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or autism, you may recover compensation for: 

  • Past and future medical expenses;
  • Past and future pain and suffering;
  • Loss of wages; and 
  • Other economic losses related to your injury

 How Our Law Firm Can Help You

The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.