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Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC
Acetaminophen and Autism & ADHD
Medicines containing acetaminophen, one of the most widely used painkillers, have been linked to increased risks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Despite the prevalence of acetaminophen use, especially among pregnant women and infants, manufacturers failed to warn about the potential dangers associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure to the drug.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and was exposed to acetaminophen before or shortly after birth, you may be entitled to compensation.
Understanding the Connection
- Acetaminophen Use Rise: The popularity of acetaminophen surged in the 1980s after the CDC recommended avoiding aspirin during pregnancy and pediatric use due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. This led to the widespread use of acetaminophen, which is found in over 600 products.
- Early Studies Linking Acetaminophen to Autism: One of the initial studies by Schultz et al. in 2008 linked acetaminophen to autism. They found that children treated with acetaminophen after the MMR vaccination had an increased risk of autism compared to those treated with ibuprofen.
- Prenatal Use and ADHD: A 2014 JAMA Pediatrics study found that children born to women who used acetaminophen during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of developing hyperkinetic disorder, being treated with ADHD medications, or showing ADHD-like behaviors by age 7.
- Postnatal Use and Autism: Research published in 2017 suggests that postnatal acetaminophen use could contribute to autism as it may impact the developing brain, especially in infants and young children.
- Cord Blood Studies: A study in 2019 analyzing cord blood samples found that children with higher levels of acetaminophen in their cord blood were nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and more than 3.5 times more likely to have autism.
Manufacturer Negligence
- Manufacturers ignored evidence of the increased risks of ASD and ADHD linked to acetaminophen.
- They continued marketing the drug to pregnant women without warning of potential risks to their children.
- Pharmacies sold acetaminophen-containing products without adequate warnings about the dangers associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure.
Potential Effects on Children
- Children exposed to acetaminophen may have a higher risk of developing ADHD or autism.
- Some studies suggest that children with ASD may not process acetaminophen as effectively, leading to potential brain injury.
- While autism and ADHD have distinct characteristics, they both affect brain development and the central nervous system, impacting behavior, social skills, and learning abilities.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism or ADHD and you believe acetaminophen exposure may be a factor, call us today at 251-444-7000
GETTING HELP
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