Tylenol Autism Lawsuit: Using Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

In 2022, a wave of lawsuits were filed as parents became aware of research indicating that exposure to pain relievers during pregnancy could increase an unborn child’s risk of developing various neurological issues.

These parents filed cases with the intention of establishing the responsibility of distributors, such as Walmart and CVS, for their failure to provide sufficient warnings regarding the heightened risks of autism and ADHD.

If the defendants are found liable, they may be obligated to provide a settlement or compensation for the damages incurred by the victims.

These monetary reparations are necessary because autism, ADHD, and other disorders can impose significant emotional difficulties and financial burdens on both parents and children.

Those affected by these disorders often require a range of tests, diagnostic evaluations, and ongoing medical services.

Additionally, parents face mental anguish and emotional challenges while raising children with autism or ADHD.

The lawsuit seeks to secure financial reparations for families, covering the costs of past, current, and future treatments necessary for children with developmental disorders.

How does prenatal acetaminophen exposure relate to the increased risk of ASD and ADHD?

Before we dive into the studies making the connections, let’s first discuss the important aspects of the case and provide more context.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a widely used medication known for its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing fever.

It belongs to the class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).

The drug is available over the counter and is commonly found in various formulations, such as tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, and even combination products.

Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that play a role in pain perception and fever.

Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen does not possess significant anti-inflammatory properties.

Thanks to its milder effects and relative safety, acetaminophen has become a go-to medication for many individuals seeking relief from pain and fever.

In particular, many doctors recommend it for pregnant women since most other pain relievers have adverse effects on this demographic.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

The causes of ASD are still not fully understood, but a growing body of research has explored various risk factors that may contribute to its development, including genetic and environmental influences.

As we’ve discussed, recent findings have also found a possible connection between ASD diagnosis and acetaminophen utero exposure, making the medication another possible contributor to the development of ASD.

There are three categories for ASD, classified by the severity of the disorder.

• ASD Level 1: Individuals may require some support to navigate social situations and other daily activities. They may exhibit mild difficulties in communication and social interaction, which can impact their ability to form and maintain relationships
• ASD Level 2: Those with ASD Level 2 require more substantial support in communication, social interaction, and behavior. A person may struggle to initiate or respond to social interactions and have significant difficulty with change or transitions.
• ASD Level 3: This classification represents the most severe end of the autism spectrum, where individuals require very substantial support in various aspects of their lives. They experience severe challenges in communication, social interactions, and behaviors, often requiring continuous assistance and supervision.

About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may start in the womb.

Those with ADHD have persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact their daily functioning.

While ADHD and autism are distinct conditions, they often co-occur, leading researchers to investigate potential overlapping factors.

The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, but it’s also believed to stem from a variety of factors.

These are both genetic and environmental in nature.

Premature birth weight and exposure to toxic substances inside the womb may also increase the risk of an ADHD diagnosis.

Does Acetaminophen Exposure During Pregnancy Cause Autism?

Now that we understand the main components of autism Tylenol cases, it’s time to discuss whether or not utero acetaminophen exposure alters fetal development.

Most of the studies available haven’t proven direct causation between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD.

Instead, they simply make a statistical and observational connection between the medication and the disorders.

Acetaminophen may interfere with the development and functioning of the fetal brain.

Specifically, it interferes with the production of prostaglandins, which play a role in various physiological processes, including neurodevelopment.

Another possible reason is that the drug affects the levels of antioxidants in the body, which lead to oxidative stress.

Excessive oxidative stress may, in turn, affect prenatal development.

Scientific Evidence and Studies Connecting Acetaminophen Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Listed below are some of the landmark studies that have researched the link between Tylenol and ASD/ADHD.

Study of Umbilical Cord Plasma Biomarkers

A 2019 study conducted by Johns Hopkins University on the Boston Birth Cohort — which was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences — was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

It revealed significant findings between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of ASD and ADHD.

The study specifically focused on analyzing cord biomarkers, specifically umbilical cord blood samples, to establish dose-response relationships.

Over a span of 20 years, researchers meticulously analyzed these samples from 996 newborns, assessing biomarkers to measure acetaminophen levels.

The findings were striking, indicating that infants with the highest levels of acetaminophen in their cord blood were three times more likely to develop ASD or ADHD compared to those with the lowest levels.

Even after accounting for potential confounding factors such as preterm birth, maternal smoking, substance abuse, maternal stressors, and maternal body mass index, the relationship remained robust.

The study’s results established a link between higher levels of acetaminophen in cord blood samples and a higher prevalence of ASD or ADHD diagnoses.

This substantiated previous concerns surrounding the potential risks associated with using acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Study of Mothers That Took Acetaminophen and Children With Behavioral Challenges

In 2016, an important study carried out by University of Bristol researchers shed light on the potential effects of acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy.

The research examined data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and involved a substantial cohort of over 2,600 mothers and their children.

The findings of the study were significant, indicating that children who were exposed to acetaminophen in utero faced an elevated risk of developing ASD and experiencing other pregnancy complications by the age of seven.

These contribute valuable insights into the potential implications of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and its association with adverse outcomes in children.

Meta-Analysis of Various Studies Investigating the Link Between Tylenol and Developmental Disorders

A comprehensive investigation into the impact of generic acetaminophen on the development of fetuses and infants was published in the European Journal of Epidemiology.

This study encompassed data from six previous studies, collectively involving 73,881 children.

Analysis of the gathered data revealed a consistent association regarding the prevalence of ASD and ADHD diagnoses in children who had been exposed to Tylenol or other acetaminophen products during pregnancy.

In addition, the study indicated that the occurrence of ASD and ADHD diagnoses was notably higher among children with prenatal exposure to these medications compared to those who had not been exposed.

Interpreting New Scientific Research on ASD & Tylenol Use During Pregnancy

These research findings may cause women and expectant mothers to panic about their use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Tylenol use is still widely considered a safe method for reducing fever and pain in pregnant women, especially since elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can pose risks to fetal brain development.

It is essential to consider the opinion of medical and health professionals before discontinuing the use of this drug or looking for alternatives.

Maternal age during pregnancy should be taken into account.

Women who are above the age of 35 have a higher likelihood of giving birth to children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Symptoms such as fever or headaches, which prompt the use of the drug, may be indicative of underlying health issues that could contribute to neurodevelopmental problems in children.

Before you remove Tylenol as an option, make sure to consult public health professionals first.

Seeking Justice With the Help of an Experienced Tylenol Autism Lawyer

Tylenol Lawsuits are being filed by women who took Tylenol during pregnancy, and their children who’ve developed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you are interested in filing a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit, it is essential to understand the steps involved.

While the specifics may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case, listed below are some general steps to follow.

Finding a Tylenol Autism Lawyer

Parents should begin by conducting research on lawyers with expertise in the relevant practice area.

You can schedule free consultations with potential attorneys to discuss your case and assess their ability to represent you.

During a consultation, Tylenol Autism Lawyers will evaluate the merits of your case.

They will consider factors such as the strength of the evidence, legal precedents, and potential damages.

This evaluation helps determine whether your case has a reasonable chance of success.

If you decide to proceed, you will engage the services of the chosen attorney.

They will guide you through the legal process, provide advice, and represent your interests in court.

Gathering Evidence

Work closely with your attorney to identify and gather relevant documents, such as medical records, contracts, and correspondence.

These documents provide factual support for your claims and help build your case.

Evidence in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records
• Receipts for purchase of Acetaminophen
• Medical records indicating that your child was diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders related to Acetaminophen exposure
• Records from your child’s therapist or psychiatrist if necessary
• Any notes from doctors or healthcare professionals about Tylenol use during pregnancy
• Witness testimony
• Psychiatry screenings and diagnosis information

Assessing Damages

After gathering the necessary evidence, your attorney will assess and calculate damages related to your use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and related costs.

Damages in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit may include:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Therapy costs
• Emotional damages
• Mental anguish
• Lost quality of life
• Lost wages and earning ability
• Specialized schooling costs
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

What is the Tylenol Autism MDL?

Tylenol Lawsuits are now being consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL) lawsuit to expedite the litigation process.

This streamlines proceedings by focusing on a select number of representative cases instead of individual trials for each plaintiff.

By doing so, the legal system can handle the cases more efficiently.

TorHoerman Law: Your Tylenol Autism Lawyers

TorHoerman Law has achieved more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements for a variety of personal injury cases.

Our past results afford us recognition as some of the best attorneys in the country.

THL lawyers have put in the work to get justice for people around the country injured by dangerous drugs and defective medical devices.

We are focused solely on competent legal representation, relationship building, and full financial recovery for your serious injuries.

Our law firm offers free, no-obligation case consultations for all potential clients.

If you or a loved one used Tylenol or Acetaminophen products during pregnancy, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law today to learn more about your legal options, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit instantly.

TorHoerman Law: Your Tylenol Autism Lawyers.