The Dangers Of Tylenol And Other Acetaminophen-Based Over The Counter Medications For Pregnant Women

As the use of Acetaminophen has been linked to ASD, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders by numerous studies, women across the nation who while pregnant took Acetaminophen are filing product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers of Tylenol and generic brands and against the retailers, that sell their own branded acetaminophen, after their children were subsequently diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Kanner’s Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Read more about it below.

Increasing experimental and epidemiological research suggests that prenatal exposure to Acetaminophen might alter fetal development, increasing the risks of some neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders.

Acetaminophen (also known as Paracetamol) is one of the most common active drug ingredients in the U.S. and is found in more than 500 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. It is the primary active ingredient in Tylenol products and is most commonly used to temporarily reduce fever and treat minor aches and pains, including: 

• Headache 
• Backache 
• Minor pain from arthritis 
• Toothache 
• Muscular aches 
• Premenstrual and menstrual cramps 

It should also be noted that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are a common alternative, or even preference, to relieve similar symptoms. With this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical professionals have widely cautioned against pregnant women taking NSAIDs, as they can lead to birth defects. Because of this warning towards NSAIDs, and due to a lack of proper awareness among women regarding the potential risks associated with Acetaminophen during pregnancy, many women wrongly use Acetaminophen-based medications for fever and pain relief as an alternative to NSAIDs. 

In the U.S., Acetaminophen is used by more than 65% of pregnant women. However, there is an increased concern as recent studies indicate that children prenatally exposed to Acetaminophen have an increased risk of presenting borderline or clinical Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms compared to non-exposed children. More specifically, the use of Acetaminophen and its link to ASD, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders has been found in autism studies. 

If you took an Acetaminophen product during pregnancy and your child was subsequently diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, you and your family may be able to seek compensation.

In Nature Reviews Endocrinology’s “Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action” consensus statement; 91 scientists, clinicians, and public health professionals from across the globe summarize the research showing adverse neurological, urogenital, and reproductive outcomes associated with maternal and perinatal use of Acetaminophen. Based on their research, they express their concerns and call for precautionary actions and increasing awareness among health professionals and pregnant women. 

More specifically, they recommended the following actions to implement the goals of raising awareness among patients and healthcare providers: 

• The 2015 FDA Drug Safety Communication recommendations should be updated based on the evaluation of all available scientific evidence, including both epidemiological and experimental evidence. 
• The EMA Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee should review the most recent research and issue an updated Drug Safety Communication, including both epidemiological and experimental evidence. 
• Obstetric and gynecological associations should review all available research and update their guidance. 
• The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (“Know Your Dose” Campaign) should be expanded to include standardized warnings including that pregnant women should waive Acetaminophen use unless medically indicated. 
• All sales of Acetaminophen-containing medications, regardless of the country, should be accompanied by recommendations for use in pregnancy. This information should include warning labels on the packaging of all Acetaminophen-containing medications. If possible, Acetaminophen should be sold only from pharmacies (as is currently done in France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland).

Nature Reviews Endocrinology’s consensus statement also observes an increase in the rates of neurological, urogenital, and reproductive disorders, citing, for example, the US National Health Interview Survey which reported that between 2009 and 2017, approximately one in six children aged 3–17 years had a developmental disability diagnosis. A 9.5% increase was observed in the overall rate of developmental disabilities between 2009–2011 and 2015–2017. 

In a different study, the data of 996 mother-infant dyads who were enrolled at birth were analyzed and followed up prospectively at the Boston Medical Center for 20 years (1998 – 2018) in order to deduce the association between cord plasma biomarkers of in-utero acetaminophen exposure and risk of childhood ASD and ADHD.

Findings in this study suggest that in-utero exposure to Acetaminophen is associated with a significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD, ASD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Now, the manufacturers and distributors of Acetaminophen are facing an ever-growing number of lawsuits as they failed to warn pregnant women, doctors, and the public about the potential risks involved with using their products during pregnancy.

Who Can Qualify For an Acetaminophen Legal Claim? 

You may be able to file a legal claim if your child was diagnosed with Autism, Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s Syndrome, Kanner’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) as a result of exposure to Acetaminophen during pregnancy. 

Some of the most common OTC medicine brands that contain Acetaminophen include: 

• Tylenol 
• NyQuil/DayQuil 
• Excedrin 
• Alka-Seltzer Plus 
• Mucinex 
• Robitussin 
• Goody’s

This is not a complete list of OTC brands, and there are also prescription medications that contain Acetaminophen. If you are unsure about whether or not a medicine you took has Acetaminophen, you can find the ingredients on the medication’s Drug Facts Label. 

Get Help Now With Your Potential Acetaminophen Claim 

If you took an Acetaminophen product during pregnancy and your child was subsequently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asperger’s Syndrome, Kanner’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), you and your family may be eligible for financial compensation.

At Birth Injury Guide, we are here to help. Fill in our contact form or call 877-415-6603 to start your FREE case review today. 

Do not discontinue the use of medication or medical treatment without first consulting your doctor.