{"id":931247,"date":"2026-10-17T08:16:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T08:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/931247\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T08:16:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T08:16:43","slug":"tylenol-autism-lawsuit-october-2026-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/931247\/","title":{"rendered":"Tylenol Autism Lawsuit: October 2026 Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Why Are People Suing Over Tylenol?<\/p>\n<p>People are filing Tylenol lawsuits because studies have linked <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugwatch.com\/drugs\/tylenol\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tylenol<\/a> or acetaminophen products taken during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, and attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in children.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIncreasing experimental and epidemiological research shows that prenatal exposure to [acetaminophen] alters fetal development, which significantly increases the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including but not limited to, ASD and ADHD,\u201d Tiffany Rutledge\u2019s lawsuit states.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIncreasing experimental and epidemiological research shows that prenatal exposure to [acetaminophen] alters fetal development, which significantly increases the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including but not limited to, ASD and ADHD.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to our review of these lawsuits, people are filing Tylenol claims against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugwatch.com\/manufacturers\/johnson-and-johnson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Johnson &amp; Johnson<\/a> and various stores that sold generic acetaminophen products, including CVS, Costco, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sam\u2019s Warehouse, Target, Walgreens, Walmart and others.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Autism-and-ADHD-Claims-in-Tylenol-Lawsuits-640x0-c-default.png\" alt=\"Infographic on Tylenol lawsuits: links to ADHD\/ASD risks, lack of warnings, and exposure statistics.\" class=\"o-image c-figure__image\" width=\"640\" height=\"269\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    Tylenol Linked to ASD and ADHD in Lawsuits<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve found that lawsuits claim several studies link acetaminophen to ADHD and ASD. One observational study published in the <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/aje\/article\/187\/8\/1817\/4980325\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">American Journal of Epidemiology<\/a> found children born to women exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy had a 34% risk of developing ADHD, a 19% risk of ASD and a 24% chance of hyperactivity symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>            Tylenol autism and ADHD lawsuits claim:<\/p>\n<p>        Scientific evidence was available, and Johnson &amp; Johnson knew or should have known that acetaminophen in Tylenol could increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.<br \/>\n        &#13;<br \/>\nManufacturers should have warned the public about the risks of taking Tylenol during pregnancy.<br \/>\n        &#13;<br \/>\nTylenol and acetaminophen are marketed as safe to take during pregnancy even if evidence exists that they increase the risk of ASD and ADHD.<\/p>\n<p>A study funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by researchers from <a href=\"https:\/\/hub.jhu.edu\/2019\/11\/05\/acetaminophen-pregnancy-autism-adhd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Johns Hopkins<\/a> analyzed acetaminophen levels in umbilical cord blood samples from 996 births. Researchers divided the children into three groups based on the amount of acetaminophen in the blood samples, with the third group having the highest levels.<\/p>\n<p>Compared to children in the first group, \u201cchildren in the middle third group were about 2.26 times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis and 2.14 times more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis,\u201d according to the study.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tSee If You Qualify For a Tylenol Lawsuit\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>FDA Warns of Tylenol Autism Risk, Plans Label Update<\/p>\n<p>In September 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would notify doctors of a potential connection between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and the development of autism and ADHD.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugwatch.com\/news\/2025\/09\/23\/fda-warns-of-tylenol-autism-risk-plans-label-update-for-pain-reliever\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">published a notice<\/a> on Sept. 22 warning doctors that some studies have shown that the drug could increase the risk of autism, particularly if it is used regularly throughout pregnancy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese concerns may be magnified by the fact that a very young child\u2019s liver may still be developing and thus a child\u2019s ability to metabolize the drug may be limited,\u201d the letter stated.<\/p>\n<p>The FDA did note that the potential connection between Tylenol and autism \u201cshould also be balanced with the fact that acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter alternative in pregnancy among all analgesics and antipyretics.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the FDA has also begun the process of updating Tylenol\u2019s label to include information on potential autism and ADHD risks.<\/p>\n<p>Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has maintained that there is no causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The company updated Tylenol\u2019s label on May 27, 2026, but there is no warning about autism. The FDA hasn\u2019t provided an update on its plan to add an autism warning to the drug\u2019s label.<\/p>\n<p>Do I Qualify for a Tylenol Autism or ADHD Lawsuit?<\/p>\n<p>According to our legal partners, you may file a Tylenol autism or ADHD lawsuit if you or your child were diagnosed with ADHD and\/or autism spectrum disorder after exposure to acetaminophen in the womb. Exposure should have taken place during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.<\/p>\n<p>Only a Tylenol autism lawsuit lawyer can tell you if you qualify, so we recommend you contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to file a lawsuit. Lawyers will ask you what year you or your baby were born and how long you took Tylenol while pregnant or were exposed to acetaminophen in the womb, according to our legal partners.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to have medical records with an ADHD and\/or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis with you when you speak to an attorney. Proof that you took Tylenol or generic acetaminophen is also helpful evidence.<\/p>\n<p>\n                            Tylenol ADHD Lawsuit Case Study<\/p>\n<p>                            Lawsuit Overview<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve analyzed the acetaminophen, autism and ADHD lawsuit Tiffany Rutledge filed against Walmart in June 2022, on behalf of her minor daughters, L.R. and C.R.<\/p>\n<p>Rutledge took acetaminophen throughout both pregnancies.<\/p>\n<p>C.R. developed ADHD, while L.R. has ADHD and is being tested for autism.<\/p>\n<p>Rutledge is suing for compensation for \u201cpermanent injuries and significant pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages and earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Latest Tylenol Lawsuit Updates<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, the Tylenol litigation has been revived by an appeals court. MDL Judge Denise L. Cote\u00a0 granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants after excluding expert testimony that was key to plaintiffs\u2019 claims.<\/p>\n<p>But an appeals court reversed that decision in July 2026, allowing for the revival of the litigation.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve researched court documents and spoken to legal experts to provide you with the following updates. We\u2019ll continue to update this timeline with any key developments.<\/p>\n<p>            Tylenol Lawsuit Timeline<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAugust 2026<\/p>\n<p>A new study has revealed that an association may exist between Tylenol use during pregnancy may change how reproductive organs develop in infants. The study found that infants who had been exposed to the drug in utero had smaller ovarian and uterine volume. It&#8217;s important to keep in mind that this is an observational study. It does not prove a correlation. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tJuly 2026<\/p>\n<p>In a major win for people who have filed Tylenol lawsuits, an appeals court has revived hundreds of Tylenol lawsuits. The court reversed a previous decision from the MDL judge excluding testimony key to plaintiffs&#8217; claims that had largely led to the dismissal of those cases. Now, the litigation is set to return. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSeptember 2025<\/p>\n<p>President Donald Trump has announced that the FDA will notify doctors that Tylenol may be linked to autism and ADHD when used by pregnant women. The FDA has also initiated a label update for Tylenol to include information on autism and ADHD. This news comes as the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals prepares to hear oral arguments next month on an appeal that could revive the Tylenol lawsuits. Judge Cote had barred plaintiffs\u2019 expert witnesses in 2023 and granted summary judgment to the defendants in 2024, effectively ending the litigation at the federal level.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tApril 2025<\/p>\n<p>We continue to await a decision on plaintiffs&#8217; appeal of Judge Cote&#8217;s decision to grant summary judgment to the defendants. Lawyers do continue to investigate and accept new Tylenol lawsuits.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tDecember 2024<\/p>\n<p>It is expected that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals will not rule on plaintiffs\u2019 appeal until 2025. Based on our research, it appears that while the federal MDL appeal is pending, families are filing suits in state courts around the U.S. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSeptember 2024<\/p>\n<p>Plaintiffs have filed an appeal of Judge Cote\u2019s decision from August to grant summary judgment to the defendants. We will closely monitor the progress of this appeal, which was filed in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and provide the latest updates.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAugust 2024<\/p>\n<p>In a major blow for plaintiffs, Judge Denise L. Cote has granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants. The decision was made over the ongoing issues relating to the sufficiency of plaintiff\u2019s scientific evidence regarding causation. In her decision, Judge Cote held that plaintiffs had failed to show (through their scientific experts) that Tylenol use during pregnancy actually causes autism in babies.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tJuly 2024<\/p>\n<p>We are waiting to see whether Judge Denise L. Cote will grant the defendants\u2019 motion to exclude the expert opinions of Dr. Roberta Ness. We\u2019ve looked at the MDL docket, and the judge hasn\u2019t ruled whether this testimony is admissible. Based on our experience reporting on mass torts, this testimony is an important part of whether litigation can continue. The MDL remains open.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tMay 2024<\/p>\n<p>The MDL remained open and had not been officially closed. The plaintiffs whose cases were dismissed because of a lack of experts filed appeals. But, according to our research, after Judge Cote allowed some cases to proceed under the expert testimony of Dr. Roberta Ness, defendants filed motions to exclude these medical opinions.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tMarch 2024<\/p>\n<p>In a win for plaintiffs, Judge Cote signed an order that allows plaintiffs who filed their cases against certain defendants on or after Jan. 12, 2024, to proceed with their cases with Dr. Roberta Hess\u2019s testimony.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tFebruary 2024<\/p>\n<p>Judge Cote dismissed nearly all the claims in the New York MDL, according to an order we reviewed. We theorize plaintiffs\u2019 lawyers will appeal this decision.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tDecember 2023<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tA settlement conference was set for Jan. 4, 2024, to address pending challenges to the admissibility of expert testimony linking Tylenol to autism and ADHD. Judge Cote ruled to bar expert witnesses from testifying that taking Tylenol during pregnancy can lead to autism in babies. The judge found that these experts failed to support their claims with scientific evidence.<\/p>\n<p>This decision will likely mark the end of the federal multidistrict litigation, which consisted of approximately 500 lawsuits involving the popular over-the-counter drug, unless the plaintiffs successfully appeal the ruling.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tJune 2023<\/p>\n<p>More defendants were added to the cases, including 7-Eleven, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tMay 2023<\/p>\n<p>About 118 Tylenol autism\/ADHD lawsuits were pending in federal court.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tApril 2023<\/p>\n<p>Judge Cote denied Johnson &amp; Johnson\u2019s motion to dismiss based on preemption.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tJanuary 2023<\/p>\n<p>Judge Cote appointed Randy Ellis as Census Special Master to better coordinate the collection of information from plaintiffs. The judge also outlined the discovery plan.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tNovember 2022<\/p>\n<p>Judge Cote approved the members of the Retailer Liaison Committee that will represent the defendants. The judge also denied Walmart\u2019s motion to dismiss.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tOctober 2022<\/p>\n<p>Defendants CVS, Costco and Walgreens filed a motion to stay proceedings, and Judge Cote denied it.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tOctober 2022<\/p>\n<p>Judges transferred cases from all over the country into multidistrict litigation in New York.<\/p>\n<p>While summary judgment was granted by the MDL judge, plaintiffs are still hoping to appeal the decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, then this is likely the end of federal litigation over claims that Tylenol is linked to ADHD and autism. Lawsuits may continue in state courts.<\/p>\n<p>            Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions. Thoughts and opinions expressed in personal stories are strictly anecdotal and should not be taken as medical information or advice.<\/p>\n<p>                                        Share This Page:<\/p>\n<p>\n        Share This Page:<br \/>\n        https:\/\/www.drugwatch.com\/drugs\/tylenol\/lawsuit\/<\/p>\n<p>Copy Link\n    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why Are People Suing Over Tylenol? People are filing Tylenol lawsuits because studies have linked Tylenol or acetaminophen&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":931248,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[64,63,137,490],"class_list":["post-931247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-medication","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-health","tag-medication"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=931247"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931247\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/931248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=931247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=931247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=931247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}