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. In records filed Friday, District Judge LeAnn Rafferty, in Panola County, also rejected Paxton's unusual request to block Kenvue from distributing $400 million in dividends to shareholders later this month. The denials are early losses 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. However, scientific studies have not shown that Tylenol (acetaminophen) causes autism or other neurologic disorders. Paxton's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the judge's decision. However, in a statement, Kenvue spokesperson, Sarah Sutton, expressed relief that the company can continue to provide accurate information about the safety of Tylenol. "We are pleased that the court has recognized the importance of allowing our customers to make informed decisions about their healthcare," Sutton said. The case against Kenvue is part of a larger trend of lawsuits targeting pharmaceutical companies over the safety of their products. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to scrutinize the safety of widely used medications, including vaccines and painkillers. While some studies have suggested a link between Tylenol use and autism, the scientific consensus is that the evidence is not conclusive. The implications of this case extend beyond the pharmaceutical industry, as it raises questions about the role of government in regulating the flow of information about medical products. In a statement, Dr. Aaron Carroll, a pediatrician and health policy expert at Indiana University, noted that the case highlights the need for clear and accurate communication about medical risks. "As a society, we need to be able to trust the information we receive about our health and the health of our families," Carroll said. The case is ongoing, and it is unclear what the next developments will be. However, the judge's decision to reject Paxton's request is a significant setback for the Texas Attorney General's office, which had sought to block Kenvue from making claims about the safety of Tylenol. As the case continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor the developments and their implications for the pharmaceutical industry and public health policy.