Does Tylenol Cause Autism?

Several research projects suggest a link between Tylenol use and autism. If used during pregnancy, Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen) might raise the chances of a baby developing autism spectrum disorders. Pregnant women should be careful and explore other choices with their healthcare provider before deciding to take Tylenol.

Autism, Pregnancy, and Tylenol 

In 2021, a joint statement signed by 91 medical professionals and researchers from around the world expressed concern about a potential link between Tylenol, pregnancy, and autism. This statement proposes that acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, may not be safe for pregnant women to use. The authors advise pregnant women to avoid this medication. Even though Tylenol is effective for high fever and pain relief, it should be used with caution.

Pregnant women should consult with a doctor or pharmacist about using Tylenol for an extended period of time, or if they have any doubts about the correct use of the drug. The authors of the joint statement recommend further studies to understand any birth defect risks linked to pregnant women taking acetaminophen before giving birth.

Autism and Tylenol Studies

Earlier studies that looked into the link between Tylenol’s active ingredient, acetaminophen, and autism suggested that Tylenol is safe for short-term use during pregnancy when used as directed. However, these studies didn’t delve into the impact on fetal development. 

A research review from 2022 indicates a connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and problems in a baby’s brain development. This review suggests that when a fetus’s growing brain comes into contact with acetaminophen, there may be an increased risk of developing a neurological disorder. The child could also have an increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that often involves symptoms like hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, and impulsiveness.

California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology Research

Reviews of several studies by the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology also discovered that exposure to Tylenol before birth can impact how a child’s brain develops. The institute looked at 16 studies, all of which consistently showed a link between acetaminophen and the development of ASD. 

Higher dosages, more frequent use, and long-term use of prenatal exposure acetaminophen were all linked to a higher risk of developing ASD and related conditions. The authors ended their report with a word of caution, emphasizing the need for more research on this subject. 

They also advised doctors to talk about the risks and proper dosages with their pregnant patients.

European Research Council Review

A comprehensive analysis looked into the connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. It reviewed data from 70,000 kids across Europe, and confirmed the conclusions of the 2022 review. The authors of this meta-analysis mentioned that while women can take acetaminophen during pregnancy, they should only do it when really needed.

This advice came from their findings that showed kids exposed to acetaminophen before birth were 19-21% more likely to develop a developmental disorder within the autism spectrum compared to kids who weren’t exposed. These kids also had a higher chance of developing ADHD.

NIH Study

A study conducted by the National Institute of Health and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health backs up the findings of the 2022 review. This long-term research looked into many factors that influence pregnancy and a child’s development, and it collected cord blood from 996 births.

The researchers analyzed this blood to measure levels of acetaminophen, and then monitored the children for several years to see if they showed symptoms of ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. The kids who were exposed to the highest amounts of acetaminophen use before they were born were found to have a higher risk of an autism spectrum disorder and/or ADHD diagnosis. 

Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

Several personal injury lawsuits have been brought against the top companies that sell products that contain acetaminophen. These Tylenol autism lawsuits assert that the retailers didn’t warn customers that using an acetaminophen product during pregnancy might lead to a neurodevelopmental disorder like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in children.

In 2022, a judge in St. Louis combined 18 similar lawsuits into one case. Then, 48 more lawsuits were added to this case against big retailers like Costco, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid, and Safeway.

These retailers have argued that the Tylenol lawsuit shouldn’t be allowed to proceed, but the multidistrict litigation is still going on. 

Lawyers for the plaintiffs suing these companies predict that there will be many more personal injury lawsuits filed against the retailers as the Tylenol autism case gets more attention and more families decide to take action.

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