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Tylenol autism link claims dominated U.S. headlines this week after President Donald Trump urged pregnant women to avoid the drug. Trump also told mothers not to give Tylenol, known as acetaminophen in the U.S. and paracetamol elsewhere, to infants.
Kenvue, the New Jersey-based maker of Tylenol, saw its stock tumble 7.5% on Monday. Shares bounced back early Tuesday in premarket trading, regaining most of the losses.
No New Evidence Supports the Claims
Trump’s statements relied on older studies, not new research. The remarks coincided with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoting the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, pledged that the U.S. would identify the cause of the “autism epidemic” by September.
Kenvue quickly pushed back. The company disputed any Tylenol autism link and warned that avoiding the drug could harm pregnant women. Without Tylenol, mothers might face dangerous fevers or turn to riskier alternatives.
Company Background and Legal Battles
Kenvue spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023. Beyond Tylenol, the company produces Band-Aids, Listerine, and other household brands.
The firm has faced hundreds of lawsuits over alleged Tylenol autism connections. Most cases have been dismissed. Analysts now see limited risk of new lawsuits, though negative headlines could hurt consumer trust.
Analysts Expect Stock Rebound
Citi Investment Research analyst Filippo Falorni predicted a rebound in Kenvue shares. He emphasized the lack of scientific evidence supporting Trump’s claims. By early Tuesday, Kenvue stock had already climbed over 7% in premarket trading.
Market watchers say volatility could persist as the political debate around Tylenol autism claims continues. Still, many expect Kenvue’s strong brand portfolio to stabilize investor confidence.
