Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal proceedings against pharmaceutical giants Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, accusing them of misleadingly promoting Tylenol to expectant mothers despite potential risks to unborn children.
The lawsuit alleges that these companies have been aware for decades that acetaminophen, Tylenol's primary component, poses significant dangers to fetal development, yet continued to market the drug as a safe option for pregnant women.
According to The Post Millennial, the Texas Attorney General's office issued a press release detailing the lawsuit, which claims that the companies violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act. The legal action follows statements from Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Trump administration, highlighting concerns about an increased risk of autism in children exposed to acetaminophen in utero.
Attorney General Paxton remarked, Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks. These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets. He further criticized Johnson & Johnson for allegedly attempting to evade accountability by transferring liability to another entity, emphasizing the need to hold these corporations responsible to "Make America Healthy Again."
The lawsuit contends that Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue have long been aware of the potential for acetaminophen to cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Despite this knowledge, the companies allegedly failed to include warnings on Tylenol labels about the risks associated with prenatal exposure to the drug.
The legal document asserts that pregnant women have been misled into believing Tylenol is a risk-free option for pain relief during pregnancy.
In response to the allegations, Kenvue defended the safety of acetaminophen, stating, "Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. We are deeply concerned by the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of acetaminophen."
Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson distanced itself from the issue, asserting that Kenvue holds responsibility for "all rights and liabilities associated with the sale of its over-the-counter products, including Tylenol."
This legal battle underscores a broader debate over corporate accountability and consumer safety, particularly when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry's influence on public health. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of drug manufacturers and the extent to which they should be held liable for potential harm caused by their products.
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