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. Judge Rafferty's decision is seen as a significant setback for Paxton, who has been pushing the 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. Some studies have claimed to find an association between Tylenol use and autism, but the studies have significant flaws and have been widely disputed by the scientific community. Paxton's office released a statement saying they were "disappointed" by the judge's decision, but did not elaborate further. Kenvue, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling, stating that it "affirms the company's commitment to providing safe and effective pain relief options for all patients, including pregnant women and children." The case against Kenvue is part of a larger trend of lawsuits targeting pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between their products and various health conditions. This trend has been fueled in part by misinformation and conspiracy theories spread by social media and some high-profile figures. As a result, many experts are concerned about the potential impact on public health and the scientific community. The scientific consensus is clear: there is no evidence to support the claim that Tylenol causes autism or other neurologic disorders. In fact, numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is safe and effective for pain relief in pregnant women and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both stated that acetaminophen is a safe and essential medication for pain relief in these populations. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately play out. However, for now, the judge's decision is a significant victory for Kenvue and a setback for Paxton's efforts to restrict the company's ability to market its product. As the case continues to unfold, it will be worth watching to see how the scientific community and the public respond to the ongoing debate over the safety of Tylenol.