In January 2023, NH Journal reported on Karleen DeGroodt, a Huntington Beach resident in California who, during her pregnancy, worked as an ICU nurse. Since she had to work for a stretch of 12 to 16 hours, she often took acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease her pains and aches. After all, it’s one of the common medications prescribed by most OB/GYNs.
Karleen shared that she was suggested a list of approved medicines, including Tylenol, which was considered safe for use. But when Devyn, her son, was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. She reports that Devyn’s lack of eye contact was a prominent sign that raised concern.
Currently, Devyn is 14, a non-verbal teenager who uses an iPad to communicate. Karleen often wonders whether the frequent use of acetaminophen is the source of her son’s autism, and she is not the only parent who ponders this question.
Tiffany Rutledge also has the same concern, which is why she filed a lawsuit against the retail giant Walmart in June 2022. She, too, used acetaminophen both times she was pregnant and reported that one of her daughters was diagnosed with ADHD.
Drugwatch reports that as of March 2023, about 107 Tylenol lawsuits were pending in New York. Mothers who have used Tylenol during their pregnancy and have found their kids to have ADHD, autism, or other neurodevelopmental issues can pursue legal action. If the medicine is indeed the cause of their kids’ conditions, they deserve justice and adequate compensation.
Expert Opinions on Tylenol Use
In February 2023, Fox 28 Savannah reported on Dr. Roberta Ness, who is currently shedding light on the potential link between Tylenol use and autism. Dr. Ness used to be the Dean at the University of the Texas School of Public Health. She has also been an advisor at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the National Institutes of Health.
She was a crucial witness in a trial that held Johnson & Johnson responsible for failing to warn customers about the risk of ovarian cancer associated with baby powder. Dr. Roberta Ness has been surprised by the research findings on acetaminophen use.
In April 2023, Spectrum News shared that acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is generally considered safe for consumption at specific doses during pregnancy. Doctors often recommend acetaminophen as an alternative to ibuprofen, another over-the-counter painkiller, especially during the second half of pregnancy. However, recent research suggests a potential link between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental issues.
According to Dr. Ness, there have been 29 global studies conducted on this matter, with 26 studies confirming that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with ADHD and autism in children.
A 2021 research study suggests that children exposed to Tylenol in-utero have a 19% higher chance of exhibiting clinical or borderline autism spectrum symptoms. Additionally, approximately 21% of these children may experience ADHD symptoms compared to those who were not exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy.
Commenting on this situation, Ann Bauer, a researcher at the Center for Autism Research and Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, highlights the importance of warning labels.
However, according to an FDA spokesperson, the studies linking Tylenol to autism are limited in scope. There are uncertainties surrounding the issue, which highlight the importance of carefully selecting pain medication during pregnancy. Pregnant women must discuss their medication options with their doctors before taking them.
Tylenol Autism Lawsuit June 2023 Update: Navigating the Legal Path
As of June 4th, 2023, Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, has become the target of Tylenol lawsuits. The brand has been accused of not warning people about the probable link between acetaminophen and the risk of autism.
The company has issued nine subpoenas to these scientists. The plaintiffs, who have requested the subpoenas to be invalidated, argue that this action of demanding nine depositions without sufficient prior notice is untimely and burdensome and does not align with the proper procedures of the litigation process.
However, if you or your loved one used Tylenol during pregnancy and your child has experienced ADHD, it should not deter you from filing a legal complaint. The exact amount of settlement in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit can be difficult to predict. Based on similar drug lawsuits, the payout for Tylenol-related autism claims may range between $50,000 and $300,000. The final Tylenol autism lawsuit payout will depend on the direction of the litigation and the strength of the claim.
TorHoerman Law indicates that apart from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), other potential health risks associated with Tylenol use during pregnancy include cerebral palsy, conduct disorder, complex developmental disorder, and other severe neurodevelopmental issues.
Regarding the legal process, the MDL (multidistrict litigation) has consolidated all acetaminophen/Tylenol lawsuits in a single IUS District Court to expedite the process and ensure consistent decisions in every Tylenol lawsuit.
Conclusion
Much has been said and debated about the potential connection between Tylenol use and autism. Dr. Andrea Edlow, an obstetrician and director at the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Ob/Gyn, emphasizes that this is a complex and nuanced topic.
Women often rely on medication to alleviate pain during pregnancy, and while acetaminophen may pose concerns, other painkillers also carry potential health risks. Therefore, a thorough analysis of pain medication and its usage is crucial.
That being said, women who have been exposed to acetaminophen use during pregnancy and have witnessed their children developing autism should consider filing a legal complaint. Maintain comprehensive medical records and gather anecdotal accounts to build a strong case. Seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who specializes in this area, especially if there is evidence suggesting that acetaminophen is the cause of neurodevelopmental issues in your child.
