Tylenol and Autism Lawsuits

Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Updates September 2023

Many people hesitate to believe the connection between Tylenol, autism, and ADHD. However, significant scientific evidence exists to support these links. In August 2023, we saw the following updates on the Tylenol autism lawsuits.

• August 1, 2023: Tylenol autism MDL Judge Cote asked the FDA to give an opinion on whether the plaintiffs’ proposed warning labels were sufficient to be added to Tylenol packaging. The FDA has until September 15, 2023 to submit their statement. This is an important development, as it could affect the outcome of the Tylenol autism lawsuits.
• August 4, 2023: J&J requested a motion to dismiss the Tylenol autism cases alleging the product’s link to autism and ADHD in April 2023. Their motion to dismiss was denied by Judge Cote. This is significant for plaintiffs. Additionally, J&J requested an appeal on the decision, but they were denied.
• August 14, 2023: Both plaintiff and defendant lawyers submitted a joint letter to MDL Judge Cote about the states where individuals could not file claims of negligent misrepresentation by omission. The final list included the following 15 states: Texas, Wyoming, Tennessee, Arkansas, South Dakota, California, Ohio, Colorado, North Dakota, Idaho, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Women who used Tylenol while pregnant (or generic acetaminophen) may be able to file acetaminophen autism lawsuits to seek financial compensation. Most of these cases involve autism and ADHD, but claims involving other neurological disorders are also being investigated.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Tylenol is simply the brand name for generic acetaminophen, a pain relief medication. Acetaminophen relieves pain from certain mild to moderate conditions, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, back pain, toothaches, and even arthritis. It also helps to reduce fever. It can come in many forms, including pills, suspensions, dissolvable tablets, chews, and effervescent tablets.

As with any medication, acetaminophen has certain rare side effects, including the following.

• Nausea
• Red or blistering skin
• Hives or rashes
• Itching
• Hoarse voice
• Having difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling around the throat, lips, face, or other parts of the body

Keep in mind that many of the above symptoms happen as a result of an allergic reaction to the medication. However, the relatively new Tylenol autism lawsuit alleges a connection between the drug and autism/ADHD diagnoses. Specifically, the connection comes from acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

Tylenol Autism ADHD Claims

Is Tylenol linked to ADHD and autism? Recent research shows that in utero acetaminophen exposure may increase the risk that a child will develop Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Multiple studies, including over 100,000 women and children in total, have concluded that acetaminophen use during pregnancy can lead to a 30% higher risk of fetuses developing autism or ADHD.

Tylenol and generic acetaminophen are so widely used that, if you were to open someone’s bathroom or kitchen cabinet, you’re very likely to find a bottle containing one of these products. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of Tylenol and generic acetaminophen products failed to warn doctors, parents, patients, and the general public about the risks associated with the medication.

Is There a Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit?

Yes. All Tylenol autism lawsuits filed in federal courts will be transferred to the Southern District of New York for pretrial discovery. This decision will likely help plaintiffs, as it will give them “strength in numbers,” so to speak. While filing an individual lawsuit may still be an option, pursuing compensation from a class action claim may be a better option for your case. We recommend speaking with qualified product liability lawyers for a thorough review of your case before taking the next steps.

What Products Are Included in the Tylenol Class Action Lawsuits?

The Tylenol autism class action concerns a number of products, not just the brand name Tylenol. They include Tylenol or acetaminophen products in general, which a number of name brands use. The following list includes several products that could potentially result in a Tylenol autism claim, but it is not exhaustive.

• Dayquil
• Nyquil
• Excedrin
• Alka-Seltzer PLUS
• Mucinex products containing acetaminophen
• Coricidin HBP
• FluTherapy
• Midol
• Robitussin Maximum Strength
• Sudafed products containing acetaminophen
• Sinex
• Panadol
• Theraflu
• Generic-brand acetaminophen

NOTE: Any drug containing acetaminophen could qualify for a Tylenol autism lawsuit.

Is Tylenol Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy can increase the risk of a fetus developing autism or ADHD. A 2018 analysis of 132,738 pairs of children and mothers showed a 20% higher risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a 30% increased risk of ADHD. Keep in mind that these children experienced prolonged acetaminophen exposure during their development as a fetus. In other words, frequent or regular acetaminophen use during pregnancy is what increases these risks. Generally, taking small doses of acetaminophen for short periods of time does not increase these risks.

Unfortunately, Tylenol has long been recommended as the safest pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women. This means that, when pregnant women needed relief from pain or a fever, they often turned to acetaminophen without being warned of the risks by manufacturers.

Does Tylenol Cause Autism?

Tylenol is not the principal cause of autism, nor is it guaranteed to cause autism from prenatal exposure. However, as we stated previously, regular acetaminophen use can affect fetal brain development, as well as cause certain neurological disorders. Because of the heavy scientific evidence supporting these claims, many lawsuits have already been filed across the nation. Those who used Tylenol or generic acetaminophen products during pregnancy may be able to pursue Tylenol autism cases if their children developed Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD.

Is Tylenol Linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

According to scientific evidence from a 2019 study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Tylenol usage and acetaminophen exposure in the womb may affect a child’s fetal brain development. Specifically, it may increase the child’s risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In the study, researchers divided their samples into thirds based on the amount of acetaminophen and its byproducts in those samples. The middle third showed a 2.26 times higher risk for ADHD, and the highest third showed a 2.86 times higher risk. The results were similar for autism spectrum disorder cases.

Authors of the study concluded that their results support earlier studies that linked prenatal exposure to acetaminophen to ADHD and ASD. Now, the FDA has urged caution before using any pain relief medications during pregnancy. Parents whose children were exposed to acetaminophen may be able to file Tylenol autism claims if their child received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.

Does Tylenol Cause ADHD?

Children who are exposed to Tylenol, generic acetaminophen, or other acetaminophen products in the womb are not guaranteed to receive an ADHD diagnosis. However, the recent acetaminophen lawsuits allege a significant connection between prenatal exposure to the drug and an increased risk of autism and ADHD. It does not cause ADHD in every child exposed in the womb, but several scientific studies have identified and supported the link between the two.

Tylenol Use During Pregnancy and Related Health Concerns

Although doctors have frequently recommended acetaminophen as a safe choice for pain during pregnancy, new studies have cast doubt on that claim. As of right now, the FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still state that Tylenol is a safe medication to take while pregnant. Many women experience great pain and discomfort during pregnancy, which is why they might turn to certain over-the-counter medications.

Around 65% of women in the United States will take Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy, largely because their doctor told them it was safe. There was no evidence of an increased risk of birth defects or miscarriages, which is what many worry about. However, new scientific evidence tells us that doctors, patients, and consumers simply had no idea about the other risks.

Proving Liability in Tylenol Autism Lawsuits

This is where Tylenol autism lawsuits become complicated. Proving liability could seem impossible without help from skilled Tylenol autism lawyers. However, there is mounting scientific evidence to support a link between fetal exposure to acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

These Tylenol autism lawsuits are still ongoing and cases are in their early stages. However, the research from recent studies have led many parents to file claims about their children’s ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. There is a strong probability that an attorney will be able to prove liability in a Tylenol autism ADHD lawsuit. If your child was affected by acetaminophen exposure in the womb, you may be eligible to file an acetaminophen autism lawsuit.

The Importance of Medical Records in Tylenol Claims

Product liability cases such as these require strong evidence for a successful case. To prove a claim that links your child’s prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and their ADHD or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, you may need the following forms of evidence.

• Medical records indicating a connection between your child’s prenatal acetaminophen exposure and their ADHD or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
• Therapist or psychiatrist records of your child’s treatment for symptoms of ADHD, ASD, or other neurodevelopmental disorders
• Any transcriptions and medical notes from physicians and other healthcare professionals about your child’s prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and their autism or ADHD diagnosis

The product liability lawyers at Reich & Binstock can review your Tylenol autism ADHD lawsuit and advise you of whether you are eligible to file. We have decades of experience representing families in defective drug cases, so our experience will strongly benefit you in your case.

Who Can File a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?

Before pursuing a claim, it’s important to speak with Tylenol attorneys who can evaluate your case. If you or someone you know used Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy and subsequently had a child with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, you may be eligible for a Tylenol autism lawsuit.

By contacting Reich & Binstock about your claim, we can offer a free evaluation of the facts of your case. This way, we can advise you on whether or not you have a valid claim, what steps to take next, and what your case might be worth.

Compensation in Tylenol Autism Lawsuits

At this point, it is still much too early to estimate the full settlement amount for the acetaminophen lawsuits. However, by looking at past multidistrict litigation cases involving applicable FDA labeling laws, we can gain a better understanding of what a settlement might look like. As with many MDL cases, settlement amounts will likely be based on the severity of the child’s condition, as well as how the family has been impacted.

Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Currently, it is difficult to say what each case in the autism class action lawsuit might be worth. Each Tylenol autism case is different, which is why we strongly recommend speaking with an attorney about your case. Some firms have begun to speculate online about potential settlement amounts for acetaminophen autism ADHD. These estimates take into account the long-term costs associated with treatment for ADHD and ASD symptoms.

We urge parents looking to file acetaminophen autism ADHD lawsuits to speak with our skilled product liability attorneys. Our team will evaluate the facts of your case and advise you of the potential value of your claim.

What Factors Will Affect Tylenol Autism Settlement Amounts?

It is also important to understand the factors that may impact the value of your claim. If you took acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child developed autism or ADHD, speak with our Tylenol lawyers about a potential claim. Some of the factors that may affect the value of your claim include the following.

• Extent of the acetaminophen exposure and usage by the mother
• Severity of the autism or ADHD symptoms experienced by the child
• Strength of the scientific evidence supporting the acetaminophen autism lawsuits

How Much Can I Get from the Tylenol Lawsuit?

This depends on the facts of your case. The two factors that will most heavily influence your potential settlement amounts are the extent of the prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the severity of your child’s autism or ADHD symptoms. The best way to get a better understanding of the potential value of your claim is to speak with an experienced Tylenol autism lawsuit attorney.

When Will the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Be Settled?

It is possible for some of the Tylenol autism lawsuits to settle in 2023. However, we currently do not have a definitive answer for how long the MDL litigation will continue. Our attorneys stay up to date on all the latest developments with the acetaminophen autism class action lawsuit, which means our clients do too.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Tylenol ADHD Autism Claims?

Speaking with a Tylenol autism lawyer about your case will help determine your eligibility to file a claim. Keep in mind that parents of adult children with autism or ADHD are likely ineligible for a Tylenol autism lawsuit. Parents of children, however, should still speak with an attorney about their situation. We strongly recommend doing this sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?

While you are not required to hire an attorney for a Tylenol autism lawsuit, we strongly recommend at least speaking with an attorney about your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling product liability cases, drug injury cases, and mass tort cases. This gives us the full range of skills and experience necessary to properly evaluate and litigate these claims.

We also understand that navigating the federal legal system can be challenging on your own. The best way to ensure you don’t make costly mistakes is to work with a qualified attorney from the very beginning. At Reich & Binstock, we are proud to be nationally recognized pharmaceutical litigation attorneys. If you believe you may have a valid Tylenol lawsuit, contact our law firm as soon as possible.

Contact a Tylenol Autism Attorney Today

Any over-the-counter drug has certain risk factors, but manufacturers of these products have a responsibility to clearly disclose these risk factors to consumers. When a company or manufacturer fails to do this, they open themselves up to product liability lawsuits. This is the basis of the recent Tylenol autism lawsuits. If your child’s development has been adversely affected by prenatal acetaminophen exposure, you may have a valid Tylenol lawsuit. Contact the seasoned product liability lawyers at Reich & Binstock to schedule your free consultation with us. Call our office at 713-622-7271 or fill out our online intake form to schedule.