Tylenol (or Generic Acetaminophen): Basic Facts

Acetaminophen — commonly known by its brand name Tylenol — is a widely used over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever.

It belongs to the class of drugs known as analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).

Acetaminophen was synthesized in 1878 and has been used to treat pain and fever since 1893.

Acetaminophen is derived from coal tar, a viscous liquid produced when oxygen-deprived coal is subjected to high heat.

How Does Acetaminophen Work?

The mechanism by which acetaminophen relieves pain and fever is relatively unclear.

Researchers have debated the scientific evidence behind certain mechanisms of action, only for one study to refute another and so on.

The most recent and convincing scientific evidence on acetaminophen’s mechanism is that acetaminophen works on one of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.

Inhibiting these enzymes prevents prostaglandin (PG) synthesis.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are substances that play important roles in various processes in our body, such as inflammation, blood clotting, and regulating blood pressure.

What are Tylenol or Acetaminophen Products Used For?

Acetaminophen is commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain, including headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.

Tylenol or acetaminophen products are also frequently recommended to reduce fever associated with colds, flu, or other infections.

When used as directed and within recommended dosage limits, acetaminophen is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

Since it’s known to be safe, Tylenol is one of the most recommended pain relievers for pregnant women.

However, this claim is being challenged by the growing scientific evidence linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to children who developed autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Acetaminophen Autism Lawsuits have been filed against distributors of generic acetaminophen.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in the womb.

ASD affects social interaction, communication skills, and behavior.

It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and levels of impairment, which is why it is referred to as a spectrum disorder.

Individuals with ASD may experience challenges in social interactions, such as difficulty with nonverbal communication cues, maintaining eye contact, and forming and maintaining relationships.

Those with autism may also display repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and a preference for routines and predictability.

People with autism may experience sensory issues, such as being overly sensitive or under-responsive to certain sounds, textures, or lights.

The onset of symptoms typically occurs in early childhood, with most cases being diagnosed around the age of two to three years.

However, signs of ASD can be noticed even earlier.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD — which stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.

It’s characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with maintaining focus and paying attention to details, leading to difficulties in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or work assignments.

They may also exhibit impulsivity, such as interrupting others or speaking out of turn.

Is There a Connection Between Tylenol and Autism or ADHD?

The possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy/fetal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders became clearer in 2018.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis study that showed a correlation between autism and ADHD and autism diagnosis.

Another study published by Johns Hopkins University reported high concentrations of acetaminophen in umbilical cord blood samples of children later diagnosed with autism or ADHD.

The connection between prenatal exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders is under investigation.

Scientific Evidence Linking Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Several scientific studies have been published in on the links between Tylenol or Acetaminophen products and autism spectrum disorder.

These studies include, but are not limited to, the following:

• American Journal of Epidemiology (2018): Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis of Cohort Studies
• Johns Hopkins University (2019): Association of Cord Plasma Biomarkers of In Utero Acetaminophen Exposure With Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Childhood
• European Birth Cohort Study (2021): Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts
• Yale University, University of Massachusetts, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, et al (2021): Paracetamol use during pregnancy – a call for precautionary action

Can Tylenol Cause Autism?

The causal relationship between Tylenol and autism is still under investigation, and the existing research does not definitively prove that Tylenol causes autism.

There is a need for further research into the science behind exposure to acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder.

While we’re reviewing Tylenol Autism Lawsuits, we want to emphasize that you should consult with your doctor or a trusted health professional about any concerns with using Tylenol during pregnancy.

Why Is Tylenol Linked to ADHD and Autism?

Speculation regarding a potential link between Tylenol and autism stems from multiple studies that have suggested a correlation.

These studies may rely on observational data and have limitations, calling for the need of future research.

What Is the Tylenol Autism MDL?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a special federal legal procedure designed to speed the process of handling complex litigations by consolidating cases and addressing all pretrial procedures in one court.

When a large number of people who have all been affected by the same thing file individual lawsuits, the federal court system allows for the consolidation of these cases into an MDL to make them easier to manage.

The original lawsuits do not have to be in the same state.

MDLs take cases from multiple federal districts (each state has at least one district), and puts them into one district court.

This single district court, and one judge, then address all the discovery and pretrial procedures that apply to every case – cutting the costs and amount of resources needed, and keeping court rulings consistent with similar cases.

The Acetaminophen – ASD-ADHD Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3043) is consolidated in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Tylenol Autism MDL Judge is Denise Cote.

What is the Status of the Tylenol Autism Litigation?

The Tylenol Autism MDL is progressing, and there have been several motion to dismiss filings by defendants named in the litigation.

The Tylenol Autism MDL Judge has denied those motions, and legal experts are optimistic about the direction of the litigation.

For more updated information and resources for the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit, visit this page.

Is There a Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit?

No, there is not a Tylenol Autism Class Action Lawsuit.

The Tylenol Autism cases are consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Many law firms advertise their services for the “Tylenol Autism Class Action Lawsuit” or the “Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit”, but there is no such thing.

Class action lawsuits are different from multidistrict litigation. In reagards to settlements, class action lawsuits divide settlement compensation evenly amongst all plaintiffs.

In multidistrict litigation, however, settlement compensation is awarded to plaintiffs based on the facts of their individual case and the unique damages they have suffered.

Do You Qualify for the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?

Our law firm is handling Tylenol Autism Claims. We are reviewing Tylenol Autism Lawsuits daily and assessing potential claimants’ eligibility to join the multidistrict litigation.

If you or a loved one’s child has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that may be attributed to Acetaminophen exposure in the womb, you may be eligible to file a claim in the Tylenol Lawsuit.

Contact our Tylenol Lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit instantly.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Tylenol Autism Claim?

Gathering evidence that verifies your case for prenatal Acetaminophen exposure is crucial.

It must be proven that you or a loved one used Tylenol or a generic acetaminophen during pregnancy, and that your child was subsequently diagnosed with a neurological disorder related to documentary and scientific evidence.

Evidence for a Tylenol Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records on Tylenol usage during pregnancy (if available)
• Receipts for purchase of Acetaminophen
• Medical records indicating that your child was diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders related to Acetaminophen exposure
• Records from your child’s therapist or psychiatrist if necessary
• Any notes from doctors or healthcare professionals about Tylenol use during pregnancy

What Are Damages In A Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?

Assessing Damages means collecting information and calculating any and all losses associated with your case, economic and non-economic.

An experienced lawyer can help you determine and calculate your damages.

In a Tylenol case, damages may include:

• Medical costs and bills
• Therapy costs
• Pain and suffering, mental health effects
• Lost wages or income
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability

Can I File A Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Claim If I Used Generic Acetaminophen?

Yes, you’re still able to file a claim for your child’s diagnoses if you used generic acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen Autism Lawsuits are primarily filed against the manufacturers and distributors of generic acetaminophen products, not brand-name Tylenol or Johnson & Johnson.

Lawsuits for generic acetaminophen allege the following:

• Producers and distributors failed to warn users of the health risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

There are lawsuits being filed against Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and other pharmacies who distribute generic acetaminophen.

If you took generic acetaminophen and your child received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, you may be eligible to file an Acetaminophen Autism Lawsuit.

Who Can I Work With for My Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?

When it comes to Tylenol Lawsuits, work with an experienced law firm or attorney like our team at TorHoerman Law.

We’ll serve as your legal representative for your Acetaminophen Lawsuit, handling all the steps of the litigation process and fight to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Contact us now to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn immediately if you qualify for a case, use the chatbot on this page.

TorHoerman Law: Your Tylenol Lawyers

TorHoerman Law has achieved more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements for a variety of personal injury cases.

Our past results afford us recognition as some of the best attorneys in the country.

THL lawyers have put in the work to get justice for people around the country injured by dangerous drugs and defective medical devices.

We are focused solely on competent legal representation, relationship building, and full financial recovery for your serious injuries.

Our law firm offers free, no-obligation case consultations for all potential clients.

If you or a loved one used Tylenol or Acetaminophen products during pregnancy, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Tylenol Autism Lawyers today to learn more about your legal options, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit instantly.

TorHoerman Law: Your Tylenol Autism Lawyers