Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Tylenol and Johnson Manufacturers & Johnson and Kenvue, alleging that they deceptively marketed the drug over the counter to pregnant women despite alleged links to autism and other disorders.
“Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting from pain and selling pills regardless of the risks,” Paxton said in a statement Tuesday. “These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their own pockets…By holding Big Pharma accountable for poisoning our people, we will help make America healthy again.”
This is the first lawsuit from a state government since President Donald Trump claimed last month that Tylenol use during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of autism, despite limited evidence suggesting an association.
Tylenol packets and tablets are on display in Los Angeles on September 22, 2025.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
Johnson & Johnson has sold the drug for decades and its consumer health division, Kenvue Inc., has been selling the drug since 2023.
In a statement, Kenvue rejected the attorney general’s claims, saying it is “deeply concerned about the perpetuation of misinformation about the safety of acetaminophen and the potential impact it could have on the health of American women and children.”
“Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women, as needed throughout pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous decisions: suffer conditions such as fever that are potentially harmful to both mother and baby or use riskier alternatives. High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to pregnancy if left untreated.
” the statement read. “We will defend ourselves against these baseless claims and respond according to the legal process. “We strongly support the global medical community recognizing the safety of paracetamol and believe we will continue to be successful in litigation as these claims lack legal merit and scientific support.”This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
