Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a common over-the-counter pain medication. New scientific research has revealed that excessive acetaminophen usage during pregnancy may cause autism, ADHD, and other neurological problems in children.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently released a study that found this association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and increased risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and intellectual disabilities.
This is not the first study to suggest a connection between autism and acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy. The prestigious NIH study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests pregnant women should limit their use of the medication, and that consistent use of it during pregnancy can result in serious health problems for the child.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Acetaminophen is a popular and widely used pain reliever. Commonly sold as Tylenol, it is often sold as a generic store brand item as well. Tylenol has been on the market for decades, and it plays an essential role in pharmaceutical pain and fever management. Doctors frequently prescribe it. Millions of people around the world rely on Tylenol to ease their aches and pains, and it’s likely that you have a bottle in your medicine cabinet right now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, in 2013 alone, more than 60 million prescriptions were written for acetaminophen. They also claim it’s the leading cause of acute liver failure in America.It is claimed that Tylenol is “safe” when used as directed, but there are some risks associated with the medication. One of the most serious risks is liver damage, which can occur if you take too much Tylenol. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to liver damage from acetaminophen because their livers are already under stress from the demands of pregnancy. Recent studies, however, indicate an even greater risk – to the unborn child.
NIH-funded Study Suggests Acetaminophen Exposure in Pregnancy is Linked to a Higher Risk of ADHD, Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
The National Institute of Health recently released a study that found an association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and increased risks to the unborn child. Specifically, it identified increased risks of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities.
Children of mothers who received high or frequent doses of acetaminophen during pregnancy are as much as three times as likely to suffer from these neurological disorders.
Multi-District Litigation: Tylenol, Acetaminophen and Autism
There is currently a multi-district litigation pending in federal court against the manufacturers of acetaminophen-containing products, such as Tylenol. The lawyers representing the plaintiffs allege that the companies knew or should have known that acetaminophen is both a liver toxin and that it can cause autism. In addition, these companies knew or should have known about the risks associated with their products and failed to warn consumers about these risks.
The MDL was formed last week, and as the parties proceed with discovery, additional allegations may be brought against the defendants.
Latest Study Confirms Multiple Previous Allegations that Taking Tylenol During Pregnancy is Associated with Elevated Risks for Autism, ADHD.
The new NIH study isn’t the first to suggest that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with autism. There are several previous studies conducted by highly reputable institutions confirming these most recent findings.
Families Injured by Products Prompt Lawsuits, Studies Show Strong Product-Injury Link
Although the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) claims that most women who use Tylenol during pregnancy do not experience any negative effects, studies conducted by John Hopkins and The Cleveland Clinic have revealed a 20-30% rise in autism and/or ADHD among children born to mothers who took acetaminophen. A 2016 study published in the journal Autism Research also found that women who took acetaminophen while pregnant were more likely to have children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
JAMA Pediatrics 2014
A large-scale study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2014 looked at 64,322 live-born children and mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort during 1996-2002, tracking activity during pregnancy and 6 months after. Approximately half of the mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy, resulting in a significant increase in ADHD and HKD (hyperkinetic disorders).
This study found that women who took acetaminophen during their first trimester had as much as a 1.5 times greater chance of having children diagnosed with ASD compared to those who didn’t use the drug.
Journal of Internal Medical Research Study on Acetaminophen and Brain Injury
A 2017 study by researchers at various departments at Duke University Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Colorado, Boulder, found that autism may stem from an acetaminophen-induced brain injury.
2018 Meta-Analysis of Seven Studies
In this meta-analysis, researchers aggregated the data of seven studies, including 132,738 pairs of mothers and children, revealing 20% higher risk of autism and 30% higher risk of ADHD from prolonged exposure to acetaminophen in the womb. They indicated short term usage, under 8 days, did not increase risk, but longer usage posed a risk.
2019 – NIH-Funded Study at Johns Hopkins
This study suggests acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy linked to a higher risk of ADHD and autism. The study included 996 births, measuring acetaminophen in umbilical cord blood.
- 25.8% of children diagnosed with ADHD only
- 6.6% with ASD only (autism spectrum disorder)
- 4.2% with both
The group was divided into thirds by exposure (presence of acetaminophen)
- Middle third: 2.26x at risk for ADHD and 2.14x at risk for ASD
- Highest third: 2.86x at risk for ADHD and 3.62x at risk for ASD
2020 – JAMA Psychiatric Study
This second JAMA study, published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2020, indicated umbilical cord “biomarkers of fetal exposure to acetaminophen were associated with significantly increased risk of childhood [autism] in a dose-response fashion.” It was also observed that “[s]ensitivity analyses . . . and subgroup analyses found consistent associations between acetaminophen and [autism] across strata of potential confounders, including maternal indication, substance use, preterm birth, and child age and sex.”
Nature Reviews Endocrinology – September 2021 Issue
This issue featured a Consensus Statement from a group of 91 leading medical experts indicating Tylenol can increase the risk of autism.
This growing body of research is significant because of the diversity of studies and consistent results demonstrated throughout the world.
What Acetaminophen (Tylenol) / Autism Studies are Saying
On the whole, the studies indicate an increased and consistent risk of autism with acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy, resulting in a significant increase in ADHD and HKD (hyperkinetic disorders). This is particularly impactful when the acetaminophen is consumed during the first trimester.
Many autism organizations are now warning pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen.
Autism, ADHD on the Rise
Autism rates continue to rise (approximately 1 in 43 children in the U.S.), with boys being more than four times as likely to suffer from autism.
There is a growing consensus among the autism community and researchers that acetaminophen should be avoided during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult with their physician if they have any questions or concerns about taking acetaminophen.
Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Timeline
- In June 2022, parties for plaintiffs filed a motion requesting the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidate all of the pending acetaminophen cases into a new MDL
- In August of 2022, in opposition to an MDL, defendants filed briefs arguing that the current lawsuits were not filed against manufacturers and only targeted retailers. They also argued there were not enough cases pending to form an MDL. Finally, they asserted that the pool of defendants is too large and diverse for an MDL.
- As of September 27, at least 87 lawsuits were filed across seven states against retailers of store-branded pain relievers (including CVS, Walmart and Walgreens).
- On September 30, 2022, the JPML heard oral arguments regarding the consolidation of actions. There’s no denying that the Tylenol autism claims may become one of the largest mass torts in United States history. Judge Matthew Kennelly, one member of the JPML, indicated during the hearing that this could get “really gigantic.”
- October 5, 2022, the Southern District of New York under Judge Denise L Cote was senta new MDL, with over 80 lawsuits immediately transferred to Judge Cote.
Who Can File a Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was born with autism, and the autism was caused by acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy, you may be able to file an individual lawsuit or join the MDL against Tylenol. You may be able recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages You also may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your child died from autism-related complications.
Our lawyers are currently evaluating potential Tylenol autism lawsuits for individuals and families who have been impacted by autism caused by acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy.
What Has to Be Proven
Causation is still developing, and additional research is being done. First and foremost, it must be established that the mother took Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during her pregnancy with the child.
Additionally, the attorneys may need to show:
- the mother did not take Tylenol or acetaminophen against the medical advice of her doctor or other health professional
- the child with the injury sustained fetal exposure to Tylenol or generic acetaminophen
- the child was subsequently diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), participates in an individual education program (IEP) or an autism early intervention program
- medical diagnosis and treatment for ADHD
This is not a definitive list, and precisely what needs to be shown is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, the more evidence you have substantiating your claim, the more likely you will have a positive outcome.
Demonstration of Liability on Companies Producing and Selling Acetaminophen
The plaintiffs will need to show that the companies knew or should have known of potential injuries to children and did nothing to mitigate those risks or alert consumers. The claimants will also want to demonstrate that manufacturers failed to provide the FDA with all of the information needed to get and/or keep approval for the product’s sale with the authorized warnings.
Gathering Evidence for a Lawsuit
It is important to have as much supporting evidence prenatal Acetaminophen exposure and resulting injury as possible. Documentary and scientific evidence must be presented to show that Tylenol or a similar brand was taken during pregnancy and that your child was subsequently diagnosed with a related neurological condition.
- You can use a variety of evidence to demonstrate that you took Tylenol while expecting. For example, if your OB-GYN or primary care physician suggested you take Tylenol for pain relief, this may be documented in your medical records.
- If you want to show that you used Tylenol or a generic acetaminophen product during pregnancy, you could use receipts, credit card bills, and bank statements.
In order to validate your case, you will probably need pediatric records that prove your child has autism. Furthermore, it would be helpful if you could get testimony from your child’s psychiatrist about their condition. Our attorneys will assist you in obtaining the required documentation and testimony to build the strongest case against the drugmaker.
Evidence for a Tylenol lawsuit may include:
- Receipts for purchase of Tylenol or generic acetaminophen
- Records from your doctor regarding Tylenol usage during your pregnancy
- Pharmacy or grocery store receipts
- Credit card records
- Medical records indicating your child’s diagnosis with autism and/or ADHD
- Medical records provided by your child’s psychiatrist or other therapist
- Notes from healthcare professionals, nurses or doctors about using Tylenol during your pregnancy
We are investigating cases where the mother of the injured child took at least one of the following throughout her pregnancy:
| Tylenol® | Generic Paracetamol |
| Generic Acetaminophen | Excedrin |
| NyQuil®/DayQuil® | Mucinex |
| Alka-Seltzer Plus® | Goody’s |
| Robitussin® |
We are investigating the following injuries as a result of using the above products:
| Autism/ASD | Asperger’s Syndrome |
| Kanner’s Syndrome | Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) |
| Childhood Disintegrative Disorder | |
| ADHD |
Is it True that if I Took Generic Acetaminophen, I Could be Eligible for a Lawsuit?
Many expectant mothers take generic acetaminophen, which is cheaper than the brand name product. Regardless of the sort of acetaminophen you consumed throughout pregnancy, you may be eligible for an action against the maker if your child was diagnosed with autism. As a result, if you used a generic form of acetaminophen, our Tylenol autism lawyers would want to talk to you today.
Hiring an Attorney and Making a Claim
After you have gathered the necessary evidence for your case, the next step is to find an attorney who will file a claim on your behalf. Our lawyers are experienced in dangerous drug lawsuits and will guide you through every step of the process, keeping you informed along the way. We understand the importance of the attorney-client relationship and will treat you with respect.
Assessing Damages in Your Case
Assessing Damages entails gathering information and computing any and all losses connected with your case, both economic and non-economic.
What Can Factor into the Damages in a Tylenol Case?
- Pain and suffering, mental health effects
- Medical costs and bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
The amount of damages you may be eligible to receive will depend on the facts of your case. Consult with one of our Tylenol autism lawyers today to discuss what you may be able to recover.
Settlement Values in Tylenol / Acetaminophen Cases
We cannot predict whether companies will settle and if they do, for what amount. Broadly speaking, cases such as this can have settlements broken into different classes, based upon the severity of the injuries.
The amount of the settlement, if any, will depend on a wide range of factors including:
- Whether the autism is mild, moderate, or severe
- The severity of the autism diagnosis and how it has impacted your life
- The age of the child when diagnosed
- The expected future costs associated with the autism diagnosis
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and potential earning ability
- Pain and suffering
The settlements in these cases will also depend on the strength of the evidence. The stronger the evidence that Tylenol increases the risk of autism, the higher any settlements are likely to be. In contrast, if the evidence is weaker, settlements will likely be lower.
Contact Our Tylenol Autism Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with autism and believes Tylenol is the reason, contact our firm now to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tylenol autism lawyers. After we review your case, we’ll explain all the legal options available to you. We represent clients on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means our fees come from any recovery you secure, not from your pocket. If you do not recover an award or settlement, there is no legal fee due.
Contact Our Lawyers About Your Tylenol Autism / ADHD Lawsuit
The lawyers at Alonso Krangle are reviewing Tylenol autism lawsuits on behalf of parents and guardians of children diagnosed with autism or ADHD. If the child suffers with one of these conditions and had significant prenatal exposure to Tylenol or generic acetaminophen, we can help. Contact us today at (800) 403-6191 or complete the form on this page.