The children of women who took acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol, during their pregnancy are more likely to suffer from ADHD, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. For years, Tylenol has been promoted as safe for women to consume during pregnancy. Acetaminophen manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare being the most popular, are also having to answer for their failure to warn of the low threshold overdosage that can result in serious liver damage and failure.
“Failing to warn patients of the dangers associated with a product needlessly puts patients at risk,” commented Megan McBride, an attorney with the Levin, Papantonio law firm who practices in the areas of Tylenol and acetaminophen lawsuits and bad drug litigation. “Consumers have no way of knowing that a product is dangerous for them without the manufacturer disclosing the risk.”
The study assessed over 64,000 participants and tracked the mothers through the entirety of their pregnancy. It was found that the children of women who took Tylenol or another acetaminophen pain reliever during pregnancy had a 40 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. The most dangerous times for the mothers to take Tylenol, according to the study, are the second and third trimesters because this is the time that the fetus’ brain is developing.
The researchers have issued a warning that expectant mothers should try to consume as little acetaminophen or Tylenol as possible during pregnancy. The researchers further did not suggest seeking an alternative pain reliever in NSAIDs as these also carry significant risks for the developing child.
Pregnant women are encouraged to seek natural remedies for pain relief and headache cure whenever possible and, as a last resort, keep their acetaminophen and Tylenol dosage to a minimum.
Joshua is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. You can follow him on Twitter @Joshual33.