Kenvue Shares Fall on Report That White House Plans to Link Tylenol to Autism Risk

Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue (KVUE) are dropping in morning trading on a report that the White House is expected to make an announcement Monday linking pregnant women’s use of the painkiller to increased risk of autism.

According to The Washington Post, Trump administration officials plan to unveil that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, can lead to higher risk of autism and will warn pregnant women against using the medication unless they have a fever. The report cited four people with knowledge of the plans for the announcement plan. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  has previously been widely reported as planning to unveil that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy may be one of several causes of autism.

Kenvue said that scientific studies showed that there was no link between acetaminophen and autism.

“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” a Kenvue spokesperson said in response for comment. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”

The Washington Post report also said that the officials will also say that leucovorin, a lesser-known drug, can act as a potential autism treatment. The drug is usually used to counteract side effects of some medications and to treat vitamin B9 deficiency.

Kenvue shares are falling 5% in morning trading and have lost 19% of their value this year. The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.