Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the current and former makers of Tylenol, echoing debunked Trump administration claims in accusing the companies of concealing potential ties to autism.

Medical experts have resoundingly rejected assertions from the administration, particularly Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., that the over-the-counter drug can increase chances of children developing autism when it is taken during pregnancy.

Last month, Kennedy called anyone who takes the drug during pregnancy “irresponsible.” And President Donald Trump announced the Food and Drug Administration will be notifying physicians that acetaminophen — Tylenol’s active ingredient — “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.” The president added that pregnant women should only take the drug if they “can’t tough it out” during a high fever.

Medical experts have denounced such claims. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other major medical groups say acetaminophen is one of the only safe pain relievers for women during pregnancy, and cited studies that have shown no evidence that use during pregnancy leads to developmental issues in children.

The lawsuit names Johnson & Johnson, which formerly made Tylenol, and Kenvue Inc., which spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023 and makes the drug now.

Recommended

Maddowblog

RFK Jr. concedes administration lacks scientific evidence on Tylenol claims

Steve Benen

Latest

Trump, without new evidence, tries to link Tylenol and autism

Brandy Zadrozny

A Johnson & Johnson spokesperson told MSNBC that the company “divested its consumer health business years ago,” including Tylenol, adding that Kenvue has all the rights and liability associated with the medication.

“We are deeply concerned by the perpetuation of misinformation on the safety of acetaminophen and the potential impact that could have on the health of American women and children,” Kenvue said in a statement.

“We stand firmly with the global medical community that acknowledges the safety of acetaminophen and believe we will continue to be successful in litigation as these claims lack legal merit and scientific support.”