Advocating for Families Affected by Prenatal Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Exposure
At Cooper Masterman, we are dedicated to representing individuals and families affected by the potential risks associated with prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol. Our goal is to secure justice and compensation for those who have suffered due to the possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Understanding the Acetaminophen Controversy
Acetaminophen is a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer, frequently recommended for use during pregnancy due to its perceived safety. However, recent scientific studies have raised concerns about its potential effects on fetal development. Research suggests a possible connection between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and an increased risk of ASD and ADHD in children.
Allegations Against Manufacturers
The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, and various retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, make several critical allegations:
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Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturers and retailers knew or should have known about the risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy but failed to adequately warn consumers.
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Misleading Marketing: Allegations that the products were marketed as safe for use during pregnancy despite evidence suggesting potential harm.
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Negligence: Accusations that the companies were negligent in their duty to ensure the safety of their products and inform the public of potential risks.
Key Studies and Findings
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Johns Hopkins University Study (2019): This pivotal study analyzed acetaminophen levels in umbilical cord blood samples from nearly 1,000 births. The findings indicated that children with higher levels of acetaminophen exposure in utero were approximately 2.26 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and 2.14 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD.
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American Journal of Epidemiology Meta-Analysis (2018): This comprehensive analysis reviewed multiple studies and found that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen was associated with a 34% increased risk of ADHD, a 19% increased risk of ASD, and a 24% chance of hyperactivity symptoms in children.
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Nature Reviews Endocrinology (2021): A unified statement from 91 medical professionals highlighted the growing evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to neurodevelopmental disorders. The statement called for caution and greater awareness among healthcare providers and patients.
Legal Framework: Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) No. 3043
The Acetaminophen/Tylenol lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL No. 3043 in the Southern District of New York, overseen by Judge Denise L. Cote. This MDL centralizes the pretrial proceedings of numerous individual lawsuits to improve efficiency and consistency in handling these complex cases.