Acetaminophen use in pregnancy has been linked with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hypercity Disorder (ADHD) in children. While more research is needed, medical professionals advise pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen during pregnancy. The decision to use or not use acetaminophen during pregnancy should be made based on a thorough explanation of the risks and benefits of your doctor.
Suppose you or someone you love used acetaminophen during pregnancy and took a child to the pediatrician because they were diagnosed with ASD or ADHD. In that case, they may be eligible for compensation. It’s important to discuss your options with an attorney as soon as possible before time runs out on your case!
The Connection Between Acetaminophen and Disorders Like ADHD and ASD in Children
Acetaminophen is a drug that is used to treat pain and fever. It’s also the most common active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Anacin, and Excedrin.
You may have heard of acetaminophen before—it was the subject of much controversy in 2016 when it was connected with liver failure at high doses and kidney problems at lower doses. Acetaminophen toxicity can occur when you take too much of the drug or your body builds up more than it can handle over time. In general, acetaminophen is safe for most people but not for pregnant women because it may cause congenital disabilities and other health problems in their unborn children.
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study, exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to increased risks of ADHD and autism in children. The study was conducted on 996 infants. According to the results, the children of women who consumed acetaminophen during pregnancy were highly vulnerable to ADHD and autism.
When the children were close to 9 years old, over 25% were diagnosed with ADHD, over 6.5% with ASD, and around 4.2% with both. Since the results were devastating, women whose children are diagnosed with ASD or ADHD due to acetaminophen consumption are allowed to file a case and get compensation for the same.
If you or a loved one has consumed this drug and faced the consequences, you can file an Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Lawsuit before it’s too late. It’s best to seek assistance from an experienced attorney to make the journey straightforward. After filing the Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Lawsuit, you can get compensation based on the damage you have faced.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate and interact with others. It can cause people to have trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and flexibility in thinking and behavior.
ASD is a spectrum disorder because it affects each person differently. Some people with ASD have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms. Some people can live independently, while others need ongoing support from family members or caregivers.
ASD typically appears during early childhood, but some children do not show signs until later in life. In some cases, ASD may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
Treatments for Autism
There are many different autism interventions, but few have been studied extensively. It’s important to note that behavioral therapy and medication are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The other options are considered off-label uses.
- Behavior therapy: This helps children with autism learn social skills, develop language skills and create new ways of communicating.
- Occupational therapy: This focuses on improving motor coordination and self-help skills such as dressing or feeding oneself.
- Speech/language therapy: Speech therapists work to improve a child’s ability to speak by teaching them proper pronunciation and vocabulary.
- Social skills intervention: This teaches children how to interact with others in various situations, including conversation, school activities, and playtime.
Medication can be used as an additional treatment option if needed. Some people also choose surgery called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). SDR uses permanent nerve damage in parts of the spinal cord near the body’s extremities to reduce pain caused by repetitive contact with clothes like shirts rubbing against their hands or shoes rubbing against their feet.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that affects people of all ages. It is a common disorder in children, affecting about 10% of school-age children. It’s also common among adults: an estimated 25% to 67% of those diagnosed with ADHD during childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
The main features of ADHD include inattention and distractibility, impulsivity (difficulty waiting for things or being able to control your actions), and hyperactivity (overactive behavior).
Treatments for ADHD
Treatment for ADHD can be provided in a variety of methods, including:
- Medication. Although stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD, other medications are also effective. Non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are indicated for children and adolescents with moderate to severe ADHD who aren’t responding well to stimulants.
- Behavioral therapy and cognitive training. Behavioral therapy aims to teach new habits or replace old ones that may contribute to ADHD symptoms (for example, learning how to organize yourself). Cognitive training helps people with ADHD improve their mental abilities, such as memory or concentration skills (for example, using computer games).
- School accommodations/modifications: These include classroom modifications or aids (like reduced homework), extended time on exams/tests, receiving extra assistance from teachers when needed, receiving tutoring outside of school hours, etc.
Do You Have a Case?
If you think you or someone you know has been injured by acetaminophen, it’s essential to talk with a lawyer about your case. The lawyers can help you decide whether your case is worth pursuing and the next steps. Hence, if you want to file an Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Lawsuit, now’s the right time.
You may be able to recover damages if:
- You took acetaminophen during pregnancy and gave birth prematurely or had other complications that affected the physical health of yourself or your child
- Your child was born with ADHD and ASD symptoms as a result of taking acetaminophen during pregnancy
- You took acetaminophen before becoming pregnant and were exposed to an increased risk for miscarriage and stillbirths
Conclusion
If you are a parent who used acetaminophen during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with ADHD or autism, you may be able to file a lawsuit. A class-action suit is currently being investigated against the manufacturers of acetaminophen, as it is believed they were aware of the risks but did not warn the public. If your child has been diagnosed with either condition after using acetaminophen during pregnancy, contact an attorney for more information about these recalls and lawsuits.