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Rachel V Thomas

US Appeals Court Revives Over 500 Tylenol Lawsuits Over Autism Claims

While there is no firm scientific evidence linking <span>Tylenol</span> use during pregnancy to autism, a US federal appeals court has revived more than 500 private lawsuits against the painkiller's maker, <span>Kenvue</span>, over claims that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen contributed to autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

The ruling does not determine that <span>Tylenol causes autism</span> or ADHD. Rather, it held that expert testimony supporting the plaintiffs should not have been excluded from the lawsuits.

<h2>What Did The <span rel="noindex">US Appeals Court</span> Say </h2>

On July 13, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned a December 2024 ruling by US District Judge Denise Cote, who had dismissed the lawsuits after rejecting the methodology of the plaintiffs' expert witnesses.

In its 64-page decision, the three-judge panel said the district court had improperly excluded expert testimony from three doctors presented by parents and guardians seeking to link prenatal Tylenol use with autism and ADHD.

Circuit Judge Guido Calabresi wrote that the experts' methods reflected approaches used by other scientists and "constitute acceptable interpretations of scientific evidence where scientists may, and in fact do, disagree."

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/not-lyme-disease-canada-sees-rise-in-another-tick-borne-infection-as-temperatures-increase-article-155092920" data-type="tilCustomLink">Not Lyme Disease, Canada Sees Rise in Another Tick-Borne Infection As Temperatures Increase</a>

<h2>Court Did Not Rule That Tylenol Causes Autism</h2>

The appeals court emphasized that it was not deciding whether acetaminophen causes autism or ADHD, nor was it making any public health determination.

Instead, the ruling focused solely on whether the expert testimony met the legal standards required to be considered in court.

The three experts whose testimony was reinstated include:

<ul><li>Andrea Baccarelli, Dean of Harvard University's School of Public Health</li><li>Eric Hollander, Professor of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine</li><li>Brandon Pearson, Toxicologist at Columbia University</li></ul>

Ashley Keller, a lawyer representing the families, said the panel unanimously found that the experts had reliably applied accepted scientific methods.

Kenvue, which was spun off from Johnson &amp; Johnson in 2023, said it continues to stand by the safety of Tylenol.

"We stand behind the safety of our product and will continue to defend these cases," the company said in a statement.

Several retailers and pharmacy chains—including CVS, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart—have also been named as defendants.

<h2>Trump Administration's Remarks Sparked Debate</h2>

WHY TRUMP REFUSES TO AGE?

The lawsuits gained attention after President <span>Donald Trump</span> and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued guidance last year discouraging pregnant women from using acetaminophen, citing it as a possible contributor to autism.

The remarks triggered concern among expectant mothers and prompted criticism from many healthcare experts and medical organizations, which said the evidence does not support such definitive claims.

<h2>Is Acetaminophen Linked to Autism or ADHD?</h2>

The scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Some observational studies have reported a possible association between prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or ADHD in children. However, many other studies have found no significant link.

Importantly, an association does not prove that acetaminophen causes these conditions. Researchers note that factors such as maternal illness, genetics, underlying medical conditions, and other environmental influences may also affect a child's neurodevelopment.

As a result, experts say more high-quality research is needed before any causal relationship can be established.

<h2>What Do Medical Experts Recommend?</h2>

Major medical associations continue to consider acetaminophen the preferred pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy when used appropriately.

<ul><li>Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.</li><li>Avoid prolonged or unnecessary use without medical advice.</li><li>Consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.</li></ul>

Medical societies have also cautioned against avoiding acetaminophen altogether, noting that untreated high fever or severe pain during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing baby.

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While there is no firm scientific evidence linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, a US federal appeals court has revived more than 500 private lawsuits against the painkiller's maker, Kenvue, over claims that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen contributed to autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.The ruling does not determine that Tylenol causes autism or ADHD. Rather, it held that expert testimony supporting the plaintiffs should not have been excluded from the lawsuits.What Did The US Appeals Court Say On July 13, the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned a December 2024 ruling by US District Judge Denise Cote, who had dismissed the lawsuits after rejecting the methodology of the plaintiffs' expert witnesses.In its 64-page decision, the three-judge panel said the district court had improperly excluded expert testimony from three doctors presented by parents and guardians seeking to link prenatal Tylenol use with autism and ADHD.Circuit Judge Guido Calabresi wrote that the experts' methods reflected approaches used by other scientists and "constitute acceptable interpretations of scientific evidence where scientists may, and in fact do, disagree."Also read: Not Lyme Disease, Canada Sees Rise in Another Tick-Borne Infection As Temperatures IncreaseCourt Did Not Rule That Tylenol Causes AutismThe appeals court emphasized that it was not deciding whether acetaminophen causes autism or ADHD, nor was it making any public health determination.Instead, the ruling focused solely on whether the expert testimony met the legal standards required to be considered in court.The three experts whose testimony was reinstated include:Andrea Baccarelli, Dean of Harvard University's School of Public HealthEric Hollander, Professor of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of MedicineBrandon Pearson, Toxicologist at Columbia UniversityAshley Keller, a lawyer representing the families, said the panel unanimously found that the experts had reliably applied accepted scientific methods.Kenvue Defends Tylenol's SafetyKenvue, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, said it continues to stand by the safety of Tylenol."We stand behind the safety of our product and will continue to defend these cases," the company said in a statement.Several retailers and pharmacy chains—including CVS, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart—have also been named as defendants.Trump Administration's Remarks Sparked Debate   The lawsuits gained attention after President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued guidance last year discouraging pregnant women from using acetaminophen, citing it as a possible contributor to autism.The remarks triggered concern among expectant mothers and prompted criticism from many healthcare experts and medical organizations, which said the evidence does not support such definitive claims.Is Acetaminophen Linked to Autism or ADHD?The scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Some observational studies have reported a possible association between prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or ADHD in children. However, many other studies have found no significant link.Importantly, an association does not prove that acetaminophen causes these conditions. Researchers note that factors such as maternal illness, genetics, underlying medical conditions, and other environmental influences may also affect a child's neurodevelopment.As a result, experts say more high-quality research is needed before any causal relationship can be established.What Do Medical Experts Recommend?Major medical associations continue to consider acetaminophen the preferred pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy when used appropriately.Doctors advise pregnant women to:Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.Avoid prolonged or unnecessary use without medical advice.Consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.Medical societies have also cautioned against avoiding acetaminophen altogether, noting that untreated high fever or severe pain during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing baby.

us appeals court revives over 500 tylenol lawsuits over autism claims

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