Tylenol maker shares sink as RFK's HHS links drug to autism
Shares of Kenvue have fallen 20% this year
Trump: FDA will tell doctors pregnant women should limit acetaminophen use to lower chances of autism diagnosis in children
President Donald Trump makes an announcement regarding acetaminophen usage during pregnancy and a potential vaccine and autism correlation.
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, as expected, disclosed that Tylenol may be linked to autism.
"Effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen, which is basically commonly known as Tylenol during pregnancy, can be associated with a very increased risk of autism," Trump said at a press conference.
Ahead of the official announcement, shares of Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol fell sharply Monday, ending down over 7%. The company was spun-off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KVUE | KENVUE INC. | 14.37 | +0.13 | +0.91% |
| JNJ | JOHNSON & JOHNSON | 188.88 | -0.17 | -0.09% |
The company strongly disagreed with the administration's warning.
STATEMENT FROM KENVUE
"We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.
Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.
The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree. We will continue to explore all options to protect the health interests of American women and children."
For the month, the stock is down over 20%. The Washington Post reported the announcement was coming, which followed the Wall Street Journal's similar report in early September.
Kenvue
.Tylenol is a popular over-the-counter drug used for pain relief and fever reduction and addressing symptoms of illnesses ranging from headaches and cold or flu symptoms to allergies. The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen, which is used in similar over-the-counter drugs. The medical profession has said that products containing acetaminophen are safe for women to take when pregnant.
RFK JR. BACKTRACKS ON TIMELINE FOR DETERMINING CAUSE OF AUTISM
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. is reportedly preparing to release a report identifying the use of Tylenol during pregnancy as a potential cause of autism. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Since his confirmation as HHS secretary earlier this year, Kennedy has pledged to prioritize a report into the causes of autism. At a Cabinet meeting with Trump this spring, Kennedy said, "By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic."
The ambitious timeline Kennedy outlined was criticized as unrealistic and unsuitable for a full scientific inquiry. The Autism Society of America said the claim was "harmful, misleading and unrealistic," adding that using language referring to autism as an "epidemic" is "both inaccurate and stigmatizing."
RFK's report is expected to link the use of Tylenol during pregnancy as a possible cause of autism, the Journal reported. ( George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
*This story was updated to reflect the official announcement from the Trump administration.
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