According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 44 children have been identified with autism, while more than 6.1 million others are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
While researchers don’t know the actual cause of these disorders, recent studies show that maternal use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) may increase the risk of ADHD and autism in children.
That is why legal action is being taken against the manufacturers and distributors of Tylenol on behalf of mothers who used the drug while pregnant and ended up having children with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.
Therefore, you may have a valid claim if your child was diagnosed with autism or ADHD and you used the drug while pregnant. Our partner lawyers are currently investigating cases in which unborn children were exposed to Tylenol and went on to develop these neurological disorders.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced attorney who will review your case and advise you further.
What Is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is one of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers in the U.S. The drug helps to relieve pain by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that play a role in pain perception. This helps to relieve mild to moderate muscle aches, period pains, sore throats, backaches, headaches, and more.
Medical researchers are unsure how the drug works, but different studies show that it seems to block one of the enzymes that relay pain signals to pain receptors. This is the same working mechanism for ibuprofen and aspirin.
However, other research shows that the drug works on the endocannabinoid system, a group of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The endocannabinoid system has been linked to various cognitive functions like pain, inflammation, appetite, energy metabolism, and more.
In short, acetaminophen works by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins or by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Regardless of how acetaminophen works, it remains one of the most used pain relievers available in the country since it does not promote stomach bleeding or cause other side effects that ibuprofen and aspirin can cause over the long term.
Acetaminophen is found in many popular over-the-counter drugs, including Tylenol, Excedrin, Sudafed, and Theraflu.
However, new research shows that the drug may not be as safe as previously thought and that taking it during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children.
Is It Safe to Use Acetaminophen During Pregnancy?
For many years, doctors and other medical practitioners have stated that acetaminophen in relatively low doses is ideal for use by expectant mothers.
However, health professionals warn against prolonged use of the drug due to the health risks it may pose.
The link between acetaminophen and ADHD or Autism is still being studied, and more evidence will be available in the coming years.
Always consult your primary healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially when pregnant.
How Does Acetaminophen Use Increase the Risk of Autism and ADHD?
A few mechanisms may explain how acetaminophen use during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism or ADHD.
One possibility is that the drug may increase inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to these conditions. Studies have shown that pregnant women who took acetaminophen had higher levels of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of inflammation, in their babies’ cord blood.
Another possibility is that acetaminophen may increase the risk of these conditions by affecting the development of the hippocampus, which is a region of the brain that is important for learning and memory.
Studies in animals have shown that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy can lead to hippocampal damage in offspring.
Lastly, it is also possible that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of these conditions by interfering with the body’s detoxification process. This may happen because the drug alters the activity of certain enzymes essential for detoxification.
Ultimately, more research is needed to understand how acetaminophen use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and ADHD. However, given the evidence that is available, it is best to avoid taking the drug during pregnancy unless necessary.
If you must take acetaminophen during pregnancy, be sure to take it at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. You should also avoid taking other medications containing acetaminophen to reduce your exposure to the drug.
Scientists Warn of Health Effects from Exposure to Acetaminophen
In a study titled “Paracetamol use during pregnancy – a call for precautionary action” conducted in September 2021, medical researchers provide a warning to the general public on the potential risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
The study builds off decades of scientific research conducted on the correlation between acetaminophen use and adverse health effects in children.
Specifically, the authors note that there is now “sufficient evidence” to suggest that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring.
The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence that suggests acetaminophen is not as safe as previously thought. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is best to avoid taking the drug unless it is necessary.
If you or your loved one’s child has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder such as ADHD or Autism that may be attributed to Acetaminophen exposure in the womb, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim.
Is There a Tylenol Autism & ADHD Lawsuit?
Lawyers across the country are investigating extensive claims against the drug manufacturer and distributors and preparing for potential legal action.
So far, a few lawsuits have already been filed in more than six states, but no Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuit has made it to court.
On June 10, 2022, a motion was filed to centralize all the lawsuits into one. Currently, there are more than 19 Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuits.
Anyone who used the pain reliever while pregnant and gave birth to an autistic cover can file a claim against the manufacturer or distributor. You can still file a lawsuit even if you used generic acetaminophen drugs.
How to File a Tylenol Autism & ADHD Lawsuit?
If your child has been diagnosed with autism or ADHD and you think that it is the result of exposure to acetaminophen in the womb, you may be able to file a Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuit.
You can file a claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the drug. You can also file a claim against the company that made the generic version of acetaminophen.
You may be able to get compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Filing a lawsuit is a complex process, so consulting with an experienced lawyer is essential.
An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your legal options if you or your child has been affected by acetaminophen.
Assessing Damages
Before you file a Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuit, you need to assess the true extent of your damages. This stage involves collecting crucial information and calculating the total amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Your lawyer will help you determine what types of damages you may be able to recover, such as:
1. Medical expenses
You can recover the cost of all past and future medical treatment related to your child’s autism or ADHD, including therapies, treatments, and medications.
You can recover the cost of all past and future medical treatment related to your child’s autism or ADHD, including therapies, treatments, and medications.
2. Pain and suffering
You may be able to recover damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your child’s condition. You may be able to recover damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your child’s condition.
3. Lost earnings
If your child’s autism or ADHD has prevented them from attending school or working, you may be able to recover their lost earnings. If your child’s autism or ADHD has prevented them from attending school or working, you may be able to recover their lost earnings.
4. Funeral and burial expenses
If your child has passed away as a result of their condition, you may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses. If your child has passed away as a result of their condition, you may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses.
5. Punitive damages
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendant for their negligence.
Gathering Evidence for a Lawsuit
Gathering crucial evidence that verifies your claims is a vital step in the process of filing a Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuit. You must prove acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy to stand a chance of winning.
Some of the crucial evidence for a Tylenol lawsuit include the following:
- Medical records on Tylenol use during pregnancy
- Receipts for purchase of acetaminophen
- Medical records from your child’s therapist or psychiatrist
- Records indicating that your child was diagnosed with a neurological disorder
- Any notes from your primary healthcare provider about Tylenol use during pregnancy
Hire an Experienced Lawyer to Help You File Your Claim
Filing a Tylenol autism & ADHD lawsuit is a complex process. You will need to gather evidence, assess your damages, and file your claim within the statute of limitations.
It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you through the process. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, assess your case, and gather the evidence you need to build a strong claim.
At Legal Giant, we partner with a team of highly experienced Tylenol lawyers who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
