Texas AG sues Kenvue, J&J over 'deceptively marketing' Tylenol to pregnant women
Fox Business·2025-10-28 14:17

Core Viewpoint - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson for allegedly misleading marketing of Tylenol to pregnant women, despite known risks of autism and other disorders associated with its active ingredient, acetaminophen [1][2]. Company Actions and Responses - Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson are facing legal action for their marketing practices regarding Tylenol, with claims that they were aware of the potential risks linked to acetaminophen [2][3]. - Kenvue asserts that acetaminophen is the safest pain relief option for pregnant women and emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before taking any medication [6][7]. - Johnson & Johnson stated that it divested its consumer health business years ago, transferring all rights and liabilities related to Tylenol to Kenvue [10]. Market Impact - Following the announcement of the lawsuit and the claims linking Tylenol to autism, shares of Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson experienced declines, with Kenvue's shares dropping by 2.02% and Johnson & Johnson's by 0.73% [11]. Public Statements and Controversies - Paxton criticized the pharmaceutical industry for prioritizing profits over public health, claiming that companies have endangered millions [3]. - The claims regarding Tylenol's association with autism have been met with skepticism from the medical community, which maintains that acetaminophen is safe for use during pregnancy [11]. - The announcement by President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy linking Tylenol to autism has been criticized as misleading and harmful by organizations like the Autism Society of America [14][15].