Tylenol Lawsuits Over Autism, ADHD Risk From Prenatal Exposure Warrant Centralization: Motion

Acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy increased the risk of children developing ADHD and autism, lawsuits filed over past few weeks allege

Irvin Jackson

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A growing number of Tylenol lawsuits are now being filed against CVS, Walgreens and manufacturers of acetaminophen-based drugs, alleging that use of the painkiller during pregnancy caused children to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In response to the growing litigation, a group of plaintiffs filed a motion (PDF) with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) on June 10, calling for complaints brought throughout the federal court system to be centralized before one judge for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings.

There are currently at least 19 Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuit filed in U.S. District Courts nationwide, each raising similar allegations that pharmacies and drug manufacturers failed to warn about the risks associated with prenatal exposure to acetaminophen: the active ingredient in Tylenol.

Update 10/6/2022:

Following a hearing on September 29, 2022, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) granted this motion and established Tylenol MDL for all autism lawsuits and ADHD lawsuits filed over exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy

Acetaminophen Lawsuits Centralized in Federal MDL

Each of the complaints raise similar questions of fact and law, indicating that information about the link between Tylenol and autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders has been withheld from consumers, who unknowingly exposed their unborn children to long-term risks and challenges that could have been avoided.

Plaintiffs indicate in the motion that each of the 19 filed Tylenol lawsuits have been brought in just a matter of a few weeks, suggesting many more ADHD and autism claims are likely to be filed in the coming weeks and months as lawyer investigate additional claims.

They argue that consolidation will eliminate duplicative discovery and contradictory judges’ orders, as well as serve the convenience of the parties, the court and witnesses.

“Transfer and centralization are appropriate in this case given the substantial commonality of questions of fact and law,” the motion states. “The overlap of the factual allegations and legal theories in these actions is near total.”

Tylenol ADHD, Autism Risks

The lawsuits come in the wake of recent studies which have suggested the use of prenatal exposure to Tylenol increases the autism and ADHD risks.

Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

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Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

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In October 2019, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry found that children with the highest levels of acetaminophen metabolites in their blood at birth had the highest risk of the developmental disorders.

According to additional research published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in June 2021, children exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy were 19% more likely to have autism spectrum disorders and 21% more likely to have ADHD symptoms compared to non-exposed children.

Due to the potential acetaminophen pregnancy risks, researchers from Columbia University warned that doctors should re-evaluate the role of the pain medication for pregnant women in 2020, after finding that prenatal exposure may lead to impaired neurodevelopment in the fetus.

2023 Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit Update

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) heard oral arguments over whether to centralize all acetaminophen autism and ADHD lawsuits on September 29, 2022, and rejected arguments by the drug manufacturers and retailers, who opposed the creation of a federal MDL (multidistrict litigation).

In a transfer order issued on October 5, 2022, the MDL panel decided to centralize and consolidate all current and future Tylenol autism lawsuits and Tylenol ADHD lawsuits before Senior U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York, for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings.

While the Tylenol lawsuits over ADHD and autism will be managed in a manner similar to a class action lawsuit, each claim will remain an individual action and if Tylenol settlements are not reached following discovery and a series of early bellwether trials, each individual case may later be remanded back to the U.S. District Court where it was originally filed for a separate trial date.

Throughout 2023, it is expected that thousands of families will step forward to file a lawsuit against Tylenol or other acetaminophen manufacturers. To learn more about the latest information on the lawsuits and the criteria for claims that may be eligible for settlement benefits in the future, follow our: Tylenol Lawsuit Updates

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Read the comments below from other families of children diagnosed with ADHD or Autism from Tylenol, and share your story with the AboutLawsuits.com community.

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Tags: Acetaminophen, ADHD, Autism, Bayer, Costco, CVS, Pregnancy, Tylenol, Walgreens, Walmart

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116 Comments

Stephanie
My daughter is 9 she was born in 2013 I have a lot of headaches during the pregnancy and was told Childrens Tylenol was safe. She now suffers ADHD as well as dyslexic. I think she may also be autistic but have yet been diagnosed for that.
Charity
I took Tylenol throughout all of my pregnancies and I have two children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. I was told Tylenol was safe to take. Now I am dealing with two children (now ages 5 & 7) who have problems in school, learning, and the hyper is over the wall! They don’t sleep like properly. They try to go to sleep at night but can’t (it seems like their mind won’t stop racing). This is very stressing for me (as I work from 5:4am until 4:30 pm five to six days a week). If Tylenol was a part of this, I want information as to what I may be able to do.
Vanessa
I took Tylenol while I was pregnant as well, my Dr told me it was safe. I have two children, son 11 and daughter 6. My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6 and my daughter just got diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago. First grade was when they both started having issues in school. Both of my children take Focalin and just my son takes clonidine to help him sleep at night. Since my daughter has just been diagnosed a few months ago the Dr. is still adjusting her meds to find the right dosage
Lonita
I took Tylenol while I was pregnant in 2011 my child was diagnosed with ADHD at 3 as well what should I do
Barb
My daughter was born in 1989 and was diagnosed with ADD without hyperactivity and learning disorders at the age of 6.
Dawn
I took Tylenol while pregnant in 1990 because migraine headaches. My son was diagnosed ADHD/ADD and Learning Disabled when he was 3 yrs old. He is 32 now and has struggled his whole life with education and employment. I have all his testing and teacher notes.
Terri
I took many medication’s with acetaminophen in it during my pregnancy. That’s what my doctor recommended pain. It was even the go to for my son when he was a baby. I live on disability alone and don’t have a way to pay an attorney. Is there a class action lawsuit that I could join? I live in Minnesota. I was pregnant in the year 2000.
Heather
Have yall noticed in the comments, uts alot if sons that have it?!?! My son was diagnosed around the time when he was 3. He is 21 now with severe adhd.
Amber
I took Tylenol while I was pregnant with both of my children they are both on the spectrum and they both have severe ADHD is really hard to keep them calm and pay attention they are currently prescribed to focalin clonidine and my other child has failure to thrive he’s 12 years old not even 5 ft yet weighs 58 lb I just need to know if it’s the Tylenol which it may be my other son Caesar is on depakote no triple on vitamin d vitamin not vitamin folic acid and focalin you can tell that my youngest son which is about to be 12 and he looks like a 7-year-old and he is on the spectrum he is very slow neither one of my children met their milestones my son driving the oldest has tumors so I don’t know if all that was caused from Tylenol
Avona
I used Tylenol a lot during pregnancy due to severe headaches. I was told it was safe. My son is now 27. He had some sort of seizure around age 8. After CAT scans and a full work up the neurologist diagnosed him as having ADD and Tourette Syndrome. He struggled in school, even with the use of tutors. Today, he still has symptoms, along with OCD.
Sheri
My child is 13 has adhd and struggles daily in his life
karen
my son is in his 40s now had adhd his whole life still does. along with panic attacks with other disorders. Hes is on medication. The only thing i took for pain was tylenol.
Ashley
My son is 19 and was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 4. I was advised that taking Tylenol was safe during pregnancy and did take it often for headaches and soreness throughout pregnancy.
Jai
My son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 3. He started taking medications at the age of 6. He is almost 18 very aggressive. He has depression and anger issues.
Shytanya
My son is 21 and he was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 4. He was placed on Adderall then Concerta. He has had severe issues in school growing up which also caused him to drop out. He still has ADHD to this day.
Tracy
My son was diagnosed with AHAD at the age 3 yrs old. He now 20 years old as of the 23 of July and he still taking AHAD Medicine and drop out of school and having problem with taking care of his every day life
Jeremie
My youngest son is 9 was diagnosed with adhd 3-4 years now, he’s failed two grades already, takes medication everyday, doesn’t like certain noises, and suffers way to much, for child. My wife took Tylenol fir aches and pains from working, while pregnant. I would be great for information or any kind of help that my child can receive.. Thank you in advance.
Danelle
I took Tylenol everyday during my pregnancy – advised that Tylenol PM was safe to take at night to help me sleep. My 16yo son was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago and struggles immensely in school.
Jennifer
Hi my name is jennifer i have a son that is 19 almost 20 when i was pregnant i was told to use Tylenol for pain also i was given tylenol with codeine at the age of 4 my son was put in the hosp and diagnosed with adhd and add. My son still has problems.
K
I took Tylenol while I was pregnant also n my son was diagnosed at 2 with autism. ADHD, developmental delay, ODD, and has seizures and he is 8 now.
Holly
My mother took Tylenol while pregnant with me… I am diagnosed with severe ADHD and may be on the spectrum… trying to get testing done for that is hard at my age… I’m 37 yrs old and have struggled since I was about 4 my mom noticed I was different… is there a lawsuit that would include someone of my age? Life is a struggle for me and having answers as to why I struggle would be great. It has effected my life for so long and isn’t fair, I truly struggle every day… admitting it is super hard but even my relationships have suffered so much… please someone who can answer if there is a lawsuit I could get in on please reach out. Even just answers would be great too.
Julia
I was given tylenol every single day of pregnancy and my son has autism and ADHD.
Sonia
Yes my obgyn told me that tylenol was safe, and my son is nonverbal he has autism. I have to do most everything for him and he is now 19 but mentally is like a 3 year old.
Stephanie
Was told to use Tylenol when experiencing back pain during pregnancy. My son has ADHD, and currently is on Adderall.
T K
I’m in the same situation as listed in the comments as Bindy. All 3 of my sons are grown, but all were diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis (i.e., ADD, ADHD, ODD, & other learning disabilities, etc.) I was told by another firm there ARE lawsuits out there pertaining to these particular types of circumstances. Would be nice to find one,
Bindy
My Son is now 21 but he has struggled with ADHD since he was 3. I always took Tylenol for the back pain and headaches throughout my pregnancy. In fact my Gynecologist recommended I take it. He did say as needed but it was needed often. No One ever said it was not okay to take. Has the Statue of limitations past for us?
Shantasia
I got pregnant with my son in 2018 the last month of December I had my son in august 2019 I was very sickly carrying my son I had all around sickness and bad acid reflux I’d often get a lot of headaches and migraines and was also told I had severe hypertension with my son so I’d take Tylenol to try and relieve the pain seeing as the doctors said that was the only pain killer me being pregnant could take I went through a lot with my son he wasn’t growing the right percentile he was supposed to and I had to give birth to him a 37 weeks because my blood pressure kept spiking my son came out 4 pounds 4 ounces he was super tiny he was ok growing up but as he was growing I just would notice certain things noises that would upset him and he’d cover his ears to them or cry and how he’s barely talk and say only a select few words how he’d get frustrated throw tantrums that last a while a lot pull on his ears covers and smack his ears he doesn’t answer to his name unless called loud when he’s in like a far distance he makes these same sounds all day etc
Margaret
My son and daughter (15 years apart ) were diagnoised with ADD. I used tylenol only during my pregnancy, because I was told Advil and Asipirn was not good choices for pain relief during my pregnancy.
Tracy
I was taking tylenol all the time because allegedly closer I syndrome and acetaminophen I’m allergic to that my son was diagnosed with Adhd at age 5 . I couldn’t figure, it out now I know.
Misty
My son was diagnosed with adhd at 6 years old, I was constantly told by others I should get him checked but I refused, after a very rough virtual kindergarten year and 1st grade was even worst I got him tested and he has Adhd. I took tylenol as well.
Jennifer
My son was born on July 29,2013. I went into the doctor for a normal checkup, he rushed me to a larger hospital where they said they had to induce me within the next couple of days, 5 weeks before my actual due date. My son was born with treacher collins syndrome and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 1 and then diagnosed with Autism and I believe also has ADHD.
keeli
my son was diagnosed with severe adhd in early grade school, maybe kindergarten or 1st grade. He struggled his entire childhood, adolescents and still has trouble now at age 18. I was told that Tylenol was the only safe pain reliever during pregnancy and had to take it pretty often. I was never told that it was unsafe by the doctor or instructions on the bottle.
Tisha
I took Tylenol while pregnant and my daughter was born with autism and the left side of her brain didn’t grow with the right side. She has a seizure disorder as well
Chanel
My daughter is 5 and was diagnosed with adhd as well as other diagnosis at an early age
Ananda
I have 4 kids ages 19,15,13,3 and the 19 struggled in school especially reading but pushed to graduate. My 15 has a hard time and has been on adhd meds since school started and still struggles especially reading and he’s in special classes and my 13 also struggled in school and in special classes but hasn’t officially been diagnosed and so far my 3 hasn’t had issues but is young still. I took Tylenol with all cause I was told that’s the only thing I could take
Jericca
I took Tylenol faithfully and my daughter has adhd and severe autism
Stephanie
My oldest son is 12 now he has been diagnosed with autism I took Tylenol a lot with him my doctor told me to take that for any headaches or any other kind of discomfort so I would take it I would constantly get headaches with my son so I was taking it at least once a week maybe more my youngest son is four and he has a speech delay me also took Tylenol with him .
Jennifer
Wow, it’s astonishing to read so many stories like mine. My son was diagnosed with autism & ADHD in 2007 when he was 2 years old. It’s been rough ride. I have always said that I will seek justice if they ever figure out what causes autism. Here I am!
Tiffany
This is insane! My daughter is getting ready to be evaluated for ADHD. We noticed signs of ADHD while she was 2 but they signs progress as she gets older. I was most definitely hospitalized off & on during my pregnancy & all they gave me was Tylenol & told me to use it at home as well. My son was diagnosed with ADHD as well, & I definitely was taking Tylenol while I was pregnant with him. And he still suffers from it at 17 years old. This is mind blowing.
Jamie
My son is 11 that’s all I took was Tylenol when I was pregnant that’s all your supposed to take I thought! My son has multiple issues he has Autism, Nonverbal, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety and Seizures. That makes so much since.
Serena
My son Daniel is now 28 years old. He was diagnosed with autism, major depressive disorder, and severe social anxiety disorder. I took Tylenol a lot when I was pregnant with him. All the prenatal doctors told me that this is the only thing I should take because it was safe. Daniel has never worked and he still lives at home with me as an adult. He is disabled because of the autism. This has ruined his life, and when he turned 18 he tried to commit suicide, and almost succeeded. He takes medication and will never be well. Please help if this is from taking Tylenol Daniel deserves something to help take care of him for the rest of his life. Thankyou, Serena Copeland
MARY
I took Tylenol with both my pregnancies. A little with the first and a lot more with the second. I was told it was safe and the only thing I could take for pain while pregnant. My first son was diagnosed with ADHD. It basically has ruined his childhood and young adult life. He’s doing better now but still struggling with the anxiety and depression. He’s in his mid 30s and still not right. The second one showed signs of autism at 6 months with the flapping of the arms. His development was very delayed. He only talked to me till he was around 12. I had to hospitalize him at 7 years old because he became very violent and he was hurting me. He has never had a normal life. He is on so many medications and has gone through so much behavior therapy that now he’s not violent. With constant medications and changes he has grown to 270 pounds and has diabetes. He’s 22 and lives at home like a 14 year old. He’s Not able to work and we live on social security. We need help please. Thank you in advance,
Annette
My son was diagnosed with autism july 22 of 2002. He will be 23 in Nov. I took tylenol pretty regularly bc my Dr said that was the only thing that was safe. He’s mentally about 5 to 6 in age.
Jessica
I have 2 children both was put on special ed.. struggling in school .my second was diagnosed with autism at 5th grade .because i had complications n doc put me on bedrest and Tylenol was the only thing was advised to take for pain.
Crystal
I took it with my son when I was pregnant back in 2003 my son has severe autism high anxiety adhd non verbal epilepsy
Denise
I took Tylenol when I was pregnant with my oldest son in 1988. He was diagnosed with adhd and autism both when he was in grade school. We have suffered financially with this all his life, not to mention all he suffered through the years. I also took medication for UTI’s while pregnant with him.
Naima
Yep, Tylenol was the only thing I was told that was safe to take. I was told sudefed was a no while pregnant but Tylenol was harmless! My son turned 18 this year. He’s diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I’m pissed! I failed my children by being misled by the people I trusted most (doctors).
Loren
I have 2 children ages 7 and 11 both with ADHD and the 7yo was also diagnosed with ASD at 3yo. I worked long hours as a single mother and so I took Tylenol almost daily to combat the aches and pains of being on my feet all day. Unfortunately towards the end of my pregnancy I was on Prozac as a precaution for postpartum but that disqualified me from this claim.
Myra
This sickens me. Two of my three sons were diagnosed with ADHD. The last one is now 24 and about to have his 1st child. I took Tylenol during my pregnancy for colds and back pain due to spondylolithesis. Here is the really angering reality; his girlfriend has also taken Tylenol. Women are still being told that it is safe. I don’t think people realize how hard it is on children who have ADHD unless you have experienced having a child with it or been a child with it. As an adult, it is still difficult. I would not have taken it had I known the potential danger it posed to my child. So very sad.
Stevie
I took tylenol while pregnant with both of my children and my oldest daughter was diagnosed with ADHD/odd 2 years ago how do I file for the lawsuit? I was told by mine and my daughters doctor to try. And should I have my youngest daughter tested she is 2 ?
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