Texas Judge Blocks AG's Bid to Silence Tylenol Safety Claims

A Texas Judge has rejected a request from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to issue a temporary order barring Tylenol's maker, Kenvue, from claiming amid litigation that the pain and fever medication is safe for pregnant women and children, according to court documents filed Friday in Panola County. District Judge LeAnn Rafferty also rejected Paxton's unusual request to block Kenvue from distributing $400 million in dividends to shareholders later this month. Judge Rafferty's decision is an early loss for Paxton in a politically charged case that hinges on the unproven claim that Tylenol causes autism and other disorders, a claim first introduced by President Trump and his anti-vaccine health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a bizarre press conference in September, Trump implored Americans repeatedly not to take the drug, citing alleged links to autism. However, scientific studies have not shown that Tylenol (acetaminophen) causes autism or other neurologic disorders. While some studies have claimed to find an association between Tylenol use and autism, these studies have significant flaws, according to experts. "The scientific consensus is clear: there is no evidence to support the claim that Tylenol causes autism," said Dr. Laura Schmidt, a leading researcher on the topic. "We need to rely on credible, peer-reviewed research, not anecdotal evidence or unproven claims." The case against Kenvue is part of a broader trend of lawsuits targeting pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between their products and autism. However, experts argue that these lawsuits often rely on flawed science and are driven by politics rather than a genuine concern for public health. The rejection of Paxton's request is a significant setback for his office, which has been vocal in its criticism of Kenvue and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. "We will continue to fight for the rights of Texas families who have been harmed by Tylenol," said a spokesperson for Paxton's office. However, Judge Rafferty's decision suggests that the court may be skeptical of Paxton's claims. The case is ongoing, with a trial date set for later this year. In the meantime, Kenvue has maintained that its product is safe and effective, and that the scientific evidence supports its claims. "We are pleased that the court has rejected the Attorney General's request," said a spokesperson for Kenvue. "We will continue to defend our product and our company against these baseless claims."