Acetaminophen ASD
OpenACTIVECausation
Plaintiffs allege that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy disrupts fetal neurodevelopment, increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. A 2021 consensus statement in Nature Reviews Endocrinology signed by 91 scientists called for precautionary action based on epidemiological evidence. However, Judge Cote excluded plaintiffs' general causation expert in October 2023, finding the epidemiological evidence insufficient under Daubert to establish that prenatal acetaminophen causes ASD/ADHD. The ruling is a major obstacle, though plaintiffs argue the science is evolving and additional studies support the association through endocrine-disrupting pathways and oxidative stress mechanisms.
Defendants
| Entity | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Inc. | Retailer/Distributor | Equate brand acetaminophen — largest retail defendant |
| CVS Health | Retailer/Distributor | CVS Health brand acetaminophen |
| Walgreens Boots Alliance | Retailer/Distributor | Walgreens brand acetaminophen |
| Costco Wholesale | Retailer/Distributor | Kirkland Signature brand acetaminophen |
| Target Corporation | Retailer/Distributor | Up & Up brand acetaminophen |
| Rite Aid | Retailer/Distributor | Rite Aid brand acetaminophen |
Litigation Timeline
Intelligence Signals
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Smith R, Zipursky JS. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM. 2026 Mar 2.
Pérez-Bermejo M, Murillo-Llorente MT, Tudela J. The Linacre quarterly. 2026 Mar 3.
Lee PC et al.. JAMA pediatrics. 2026 Mar 9.
Balkanas M, Durcan G, Doğangün B. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2026 Mar 19.
Mataix-Cols D et al.. The Lancet. Child & adolescent health. 2026 Mar 24.
Key Facts
- Status
- active
Geographic Exposure
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Mother used acetaminophen during pregnancy
- ✓Child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD
- ✓Acetaminophen use was regular or frequent during pregnancy
- ✓Used store-brand or retailer-labeled acetaminophen product