The lawsuit was filed Monday, 2025‑10‑27 in the District Court of Panola County, Texas, by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Johnson & Johnson and its consumer‑health unit Kenvue.
The complaint alleges that the companies concealed evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to autism spectrum disorder and attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and that they marketed Tylenol as safe for pregnant women despite knowledge of potential risks.
The suit also accuses Johnson & Johnson of violating the Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act by transferring liabilities related to Tylenol to Kenvue to shield assets, and seeks civil penalties of up to $250,000 and $10,000 per violation, as well as injunctive relief to remove marketing materials portraying Tylenol as safe for pregnancy.
Kenvue has denied the allegations, stating that the claims lack legal merit and scientific support, and that acetaminophen remains the safest pain reliever for pregnant women. Johnson & Johnson has said it divested its consumer‑health business and that all rights and liabilities associated with Tylenol are owned by Kenvue.
The lawsuit is part of a broader litigation landscape. A federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3043) was dismissed in August 2024, but similar state‑court cases continue. The Texas suit also references the Trump administration’s 2025 claims linking acetaminophen to neurodevelopmental disorders.
The case could result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage for both companies and adds to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the consumer‑health division.
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