The Tylenol Controversy

Core Viewpoint - Robert F. Kennedy Jr has raised concerns about a potential link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and autism, while manufacturers Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson deny such a connection [3][4] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The FDA is set to notify physicians about the increased risk of autism associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy and will initiate a safety label change [4] - New guidelines will recommend healthcare providers to suggest the "lowest effective dose" of acetaminophen during pregnancy [4] Group 2: Legal Issues - Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue are facing numerous lawsuits from parents claiming acetaminophen use during pregnancy led to autism and/or ADHD [5] - By 2023, there were 265 cases filed against the drug manufacturers, with the number doubling by 2024, although most cases were dismissed [5] - A major federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) is ongoing, focusing on failure-to-warn claims under state laws [5] Group 3: Public Reaction and Political Context - The public response includes outrage over questioning the science behind acetaminophen safety, with some individuals publicly consuming the drug as a form of defiance [3][4] - The health sector is becoming increasingly politicized, with the U.S. health department advocating for consumer transparency from pharmaceutical companies [6]