Tylenol Shares Plummet Amid Report Linking Drug to Autism.

Shares in Kenvue, the parent of Tylenol-maker McNeil Consumer Healthcare, declined 14% after a report said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will release a report linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism. Tylenol is a popular over-the-counter drug used for pain relief and fever reduction. The medical profession has said products containing acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, are safe for pregnant women.

Shares in Kenvue, the parent company of Tylenol-maker McNeil Consumer Healthcare, declined by 14% following a report that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is likely to release a report linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism [1]. The report, expected this month, suggests that low levels of folate, an important vitamin, and Tylenol taken during pregnancy could be potential causes of autism [2].

Tylenol, a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer, contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. The medical profession has generally considered products containing acetaminophen safe for pregnant women. However, the upcoming report from HHS could potentially impact the perception of safety and usage of Tylenol during pregnancy.

Kenvue has maintained that there is no causal link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism, stating that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and leading medical organizations agree on the safety of the drug [2]. The company did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comments regarding the report.

The report also suggests that a medicine derived from folate, called folinic acid, can be used to treat symptoms of autism in some people [1]. This recommendation could potentially influence the treatment strategies for autism, but the effectiveness and safety of folinic acid in this context remain to be fully established.

Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments surrounding this report, as it could have significant implications for Kenvue's stock and the broader pharmaceutical industry. The upcoming HHS report is expected to provide more clarity on the potential link between Tylenol and autism, which could potentially impact the company's operations and market standing.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/kennedy-hhs-link-tylenol-use-pregnancy-autism-wsj-reports-2025-09-05/
[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/05/rfk-tylenol-autism-kenvue-stock-for-url.html