Texas Attorney General Files Lawsuit Alleging Concealment of Tylenol Risks
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 28, 2025 — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a major lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and its consumer health spinoff Kenvue, alleging that the companies knowingly concealed evidence linking the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children.
The complaint, filed in Panola County, accuses the drugmakers of violating Texas’ Deceptive Trade Practices Act and engaging in fraudulent transfers when J&J spun off Kenvue in 2023 to allegedly shield itself from liability.
Paxton, who is mounting a 2026 Senate campaign and aligning himself closely with President Donald Trump’s health policy stances, said that “overwhelming evidence” supported the claim that acetaminophen could lead to neurodevelopmental disorders — a statement sharply disputed by scientists and public health agencies.
The Allegations: Autism and ADHD Links to Acetaminophen
In his court filing, Paxton claimed that the U.S. government “confirmed” in September that acetaminophen use during pregnancy could cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He alleged that J&J and Kenvue failed to warn expectant mothers of these “known risks,” continuing to market Tylenol as a safe pain reliever.
However, medical experts and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not issued any definitive statement confirming such a causal link. The FDA continues to list acetaminophen as the safest fever and pain relief option during pregnancy when used as directed.
Corporate Responses: Kenvue and J&J Defend Safety of Tylenol
Kenvue, the consumer health company that took over Tylenol following its separation from J&J, said it “will vigorously defend” against the lawsuit and reaffirmed the drug’s safety record.
“Acetaminophen remains the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women when used as needed throughout pregnancy,” Kenvue said in a statement. “We are deeply concerned by the spread of misinformation surrounding acetaminophen’s safety.”
Johnson & Johnson declined to comment on the lawsuit directly but noted that Kenvue now bears full responsibility for all liabilities associated with its over-the-counter product portfolio, including Tylenol.
Following the announcement, Kenvue shares dropped 3.8% to $14.51, while J&J shares declined 1.8% to $186.93.
Political and Legal Context
Paxton’s lawsuit comes just weeks after President Trump publicly warned against Tylenol use during pregnancy, claiming it could cause autism — a statement not backed by any peer-reviewed evidence. The comment, however, triggered a sharp 20% decline in Kenvue’s share price amid investor concern over potential litigation and reputational damage.
The Texas attorney general’s filing also alleged that J&J’s 2023 spinoff of Kenvue constituted a “fraudulent transfer”, designed to insulate the parent company from future Tylenol-related liabilities. J&J and Kenvue are both headquartered in New Jersey but face the Texas action due to product sales in the state.
Broader Legal Landscape: FDA, Private Suits, and Ongoing Appeals
The lawsuit adds to a growing wave of private litigation filed by families claiming their children developed autism or ADHD after prenatal exposure to acetaminophen. Hundreds of such cases were previously consolidated in federal court, though many were dismissed in late 2024. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is set to hear arguments in that appeal on November 17.
Meanwhile, the FDA announced plans in September to consider updated labeling requirements for acetaminophen, reflecting possible — though not proven — neurodevelopmental risks.
Autism concerns have also been championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who has long questioned the safety of certain pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
J&J’s Broader Legal Troubles
The Tylenol litigation comes as Johnson & Johnson faces more than 73,000 lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder caused cancer. Federal courts have rejected three attempts by J&J to settle those claims through bankruptcy, putting the company under intense legal scrutiny.
Concerns about Tylenol’s potential risks have intensified since J&J completed the Kenvue spinoff in 2023, prompting speculation about whether the separation was structured to limit future liability exposure.
Outlook: Legal and Public Health Ramifications
The Texas Tylenol lawsuit is likely to reignite debate over consumer safety, pharmaceutical transparency, and political influence in health policy. While no scientific consensus supports claims linking acetaminophen to autism, the growing legal and media attention could influence both public perception and regulatory actions in the months ahead.
Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson maintain that Tylenol’s decades-long safety record remains intact and that acetaminophen continues to be the most widely recommended pain reliever during pregnancy by medical professionals worldwide.
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