Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a staple in the medicine cabinets of families across America. The over the counter pain reliever is used by many to treat headaches, muscle soreness, joint pain, and more. 

Recently, Tylenol has been in the news. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Tylenol as of October 2022 due to a link between the product and autism. The lawsuit alleges that children born to mothers who took Tylenol during their pregnancy were more likely to develop autism and ADHD. 

Tylenol is advertised and promoted as a safe pain reliever, especially during pregnancy. Women who took Tylenol to treat the aches and pains associated with being pregnant were unaware that they could be causing lifelong issues for their unborn children. 

Here, we’ll explore more about the history and uses of Tylenol, as well as what you can do if you think your child may have been negatively affected by your use of Tylenol during your pregnancy. 

Origin of Tylenol

Known as paracetamol in Europe, acetaminophen–the active ingredient in Tylenol–was first created by H.N. Morse in 1878. Scientists still aren’t sure exactly how the pain reliever works. For many people, Tylenol helps with pain related to the flu, colds, coughs, headaches, and general aches. Tylenol is also an effective fever reducer.

The Tylenol brand got its start in 1955 at McNeil Laboratories. The family-owned drug company initially marketed the medicine as a fever reducer for children. Later that year, it was introduced as an aspirin-free pain reliever. Four years later, the drug became available for purchase over the counter. 

Tylenol has gone through many recalls over the years. In 1982, the drug made headlines due to the Chicago Tylenol murders, in which a person contaminated Tylenol capsules with cyanide. Seven people died as a result of the crime. Tylenol was recalled again in 2010 following package contamination. Children’s Tylenol was also recalled in 2010 due to a discovery of bacteria found in a Tylenol processing plant. 

In 2014, a study showed that when pregnant women take tylenol, their child is at higher risk for ADHD behaviors later in life. The study determined that further research was needed to establish a connection between Tylenol and developmental issues. 

Tylenol Uses

Tylenol has a long list of uses, including relief from: 

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Pregnancy-related aches
• Toothaches
• Colds
• Sore throats
• Headaches and migraines
• Menstrual pain
• Vaccination reactions
• Fevers

Tylenol is known as an analgesic and an antipyretic, meaning it works to relieve pain and fever in the body. Tylenol does not fix the problem causing the pain, rather, it changes the way the body senses pain, allowing the person taking the drug some relief while their body goes through the healing process. 

Tylenol comes in several forms, including liquid, extended release tablets, disintegrating tablets, chewable tablets, and standard tablets. Most people who take Tylenol purchase it over the counter, but it can also be prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes, doctors prescribe a combination of Tylenol and another pain reliever, such as codeine. 

The drug is often given to children. It’s important that children are given the correct dosage of the drug to prevent health issues. Parents need to carefully read the label on the box or bottle of the medication to determine the correct dosage for their child based on their weight and age. 

Risks of Tylenol

All medications carry both benefits and risks, and it’s important that users are aware of the risks of taking a drug before they begin use. 

Taking too much Tylenol can cause liver damage. Normally, the body breaks down Tylenol, and some of the drug is eliminated naturally. The part of the drug that is not eliminated naturally, however, is toxic to the liver. Over time, overuse of Tylenol can lead to the need for a liver transplant, or even death.

In addition to potential liver issues, Tylenol also can cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, itching, rash, headache, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, swelling of the face, and swelling of the throat. People who experience these symptoms need to seek medical attention right away, as these symptoms may be a sign of a serious reaction that necessitates treatment. 

Recent studies show that Tylenol use during pregnancy can negatively affect a fetus in many ways, including an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Tylenol has the ability to reach the fetus by crossing a pregnant woman’s placenta. Research shows that Tylenol may be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it interferes with a woman’s hormonal processes that are crucial for healthy fetal development. In addition to neurological and developmental issues, Tylenol use during pregnancy can also cause the fetus to have reproductive and hormonal issues. Many women who took Tylenol during pregnancy are angry because the drug has been advertised as safe for use in pregnant women.

Did You Take Tylenol During Pregnancy? We’re Here For You.

If you took Tylenol while you were pregnant, you’re not alone. Many women believed that Tylenol was the safest choice for themselves and their unborn babies. If your child has shown signs of ADHD or autism after you took Tylenol while pregnant, you may be eligible for financial compensation as part of the lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of the Tylenol brand.

You don’t have to try to figure this out alone–managing a lawsuit can be challenging, especially when you’re working to provide your child with the developmental support they need. We’re here to help. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.