Texas Sues Tylenol Makers Kenvue and J&J Over Autism Link Allegations

Texas Attorney General Files Major Deceptive Marketing Lawsuit Against Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a high-stakes lawsuit against Kenvue, the manufacturer of the widely used pain reliever Tylenol (acetaminophen), and its former parent company, Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Filed on a recent Tuesday in 2025, the suit alleges that the pharmaceutical giants engaged in deceptive sales practices by failing to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks associated with using Tylenol during pregnancy, specifically citing a potential link to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

This legal action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing national litigation surrounding acetaminophen and is notable for its explicit alignment with arguments and claims often promoted by prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Core Allegation: Failure to Warn

The lawsuit centers on the claim that Kenvue and J&J possessed knowledge, or should have possessed knowledge, of scientific literature suggesting a correlation between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and increased risks of neurodevelopmental issues in children. The state of Texas argues that by continuing to market and sell Tylenol without clear warnings regarding these risks, the companies violated consumer protection laws and engaged in deceptive trade practices.

Key Points of the Texas Lawsuit:

• Deceptive Sales: Alleging the companies misled consumers about the safety profile of Tylenol for pregnant women.
• Lack of Warning: Claiming a failure to include warnings about the potential link between in-utero exposure to acetaminophen and conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Consumer Protection Focus: Seeking penalties and relief under Texas state law for harm caused to consumers who relied on the product’s implied safety.

This litigation is distinct from the thousands of individual personal injury claims consolidated in federal court, as it is brought by the state itself, potentially seeking massive civil penalties and changes to product labeling.

Context: Tylenol Litigation and Political Influence

The Texas lawsuit enters an already complex legal landscape. For several years, thousands of individual plaintiffs have filed claims against Kenvue and J&J, consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. These federal cases similarly allege that the companies knew about the risks but failed to warn consumers.

However, the Texas suit is unique in its explicit reference to the political discourse surrounding the issue. The decision by the Texas Attorney General to pursue this case reflects a growing trend where state legal actions intersect with politically charged health narratives.

The Influence of Non-Traditional Health Advocates

Both Donald Trump and RFK Jr. have publicly given credence to theories linking common medications and vaccines to neurodevelopmental disorders, often citing disputed or inconclusive scientific studies. By adopting the core arguments linking Tylenol to autism—a claim that has gained traction outside of mainstream medical consensus—Paxton’s office is leveraging a narrative that resonates with a specific segment of the population and aligns with the political rhetoric of these figures.

This strategy suggests the Texas AG is taking cues not just from existing legal precedents, but from the highly visible, politically driven advocacy surrounding these health claims.

The Scientific and Corporate Perspective

Scientific Consensus vs. Legal Claim

It is crucial to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), continue to maintain that acetaminophen is generally safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed, and remains the preferred pain reliever for pregnant women. While some epidemiological studies have suggested a correlation between prolonged, high-dose use and neurodevelopmental issues, these studies have been criticized for lacking definitive causal evidence and being confounded by other factors.

Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson have consistently denied the allegations, asserting that decades of scientific research and regulatory approval confirm Tylenol’s safety profile. They argue that the claims lack scientific merit and have vigorously defended the product in the federal MDL.

Corporate Structure and Responsibility

Kenvue, which was spun off from J&J in 2023, now handles the consumer health portfolio, including Tylenol. The Texas lawsuit targets both entities, holding J&J accountable for its role as the parent company during the period of alleged deceptive marketing and Kenvue for its current manufacturing and sales practices.

“We stand by the safety and efficacy of Tylenol, a product trusted by millions of families for decades,” a representative for Kenvue has stated in response to similar litigation. “The scientific evidence does not support the claims made in these lawsuits.”

Key Takeaways for Consumers and Businesses

This lawsuit has significant implications, not just for the pharmaceutical industry, but for consumer confidence in over-the-counter medications.

• Legal Risk: The lawsuit increases the legal and financial pressure on Kenvue and J&J, expanding the litigation from individual claims to state-level enforcement actions.
• Labeling Changes: If successful, the suit could force mandatory changes to Tylenol packaging and warning labels across Texas, potentially setting a precedent for other states.
• Consumer Confidence: Despite the lack of definitive scientific consensus on causation, the high-profile nature of the lawsuit, backed by a state government, may lead pregnant consumers to avoid the medication entirely.
• Political Strategy: The case highlights the growing use of consumer protection litigation to advance health claims popularized in political and activist circles.

What’s Next in the Litigation

The Texas lawsuit will proceed through state courts, focusing on whether Kenvue and J&J violated Texas consumer laws by omitting warnings that the state argues were necessary based on available scientific signals. This state action provides a parallel legal track to the federal MDL, which is currently undergoing critical evidentiary rulings regarding the admissibility of expert scientific testimony.

The outcome of the Texas case could significantly influence settlement discussions in the federal litigation and determine the future regulatory environment for common over-the-counter drugs.

Consumers who have concerns about using Tylenol during pregnancy should consult directly with their healthcare providers, who can provide guidance based on current medical standards and individual health profiles.