Tylenol and Acetaminophen Lawsuit
Taking Acetaminophen While Pregnant May Increase the Risk of Autism
Use Linked to Autism During Pregnancy
An overwhelming body of scientific literature has found a link between ingestion of Tylenol or acetaminophen during the second and/or third trimester of pregnancy to the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs, including Tylenol. It is a pain reliever for severe to moderate pain, as well as a fever reducer. Tylenol and Acetaminophen have been widely thought of as safe, and have been prescribed by medical professionals to pregnant women for pain relief and fever reduction.
Epidemiological Studies on Tylenol and/or Acetaminophen and Autism Risk
Over the past few years, a number of epidemiological studies have suggested a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. These studies have sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals and expectant mothers alike, leading to calls for stronger warning labels on acetaminophen products.
One of the most significant studies on this topic was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics in 2016. The study, which included data from over 2,500 mother-child pairs, found that children whose mothers had taken acetaminophen during pregnancy were more likely to exhibit symptoms of autism or developmental delay by the age of three.
Another study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2017 analyzed data from over 73,000 mother-child pairs and found a significant association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
In 2019, a study funded by NIH from Johns Hopkins analyzed umbilical cord blood samples from 996 births and found that exposure to acetaminophen increased a child’s risk for autism spectrum disorder.
The study found that babies with the highest acetaminophen levels in the cord blood were three times more likely to be on the autism spectrum compared to children with lower acetaminophen levels in their cord blood.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
According to the CDC, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some of the symptoms of autism are listed below.
Social Communication and Interaction Skills, Can Include:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
- Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age
- Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests:
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
- Gets upset by minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Must follow certain routines
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Other Characteristics:
- Delayed language skills
- Delayed movement skills
- Delayed cognitive or learning skills
- Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
- Unusual mood or emotional reactions
- Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
Did You Take Acetaminophen While Pregnant?
In light of this evidence, healthcare professionals and expectant mothers should be aware of the potential risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
If you or a loved one has taken acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Our legal team has extensive experience in handling cases involving pharmaceutical products and can help you navigate the complex legal process.
Please contact us today by filling out the form below, or calling us at (850) 202-1010, to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you seek justice and compensation.