No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical illness, mental illness, and death.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson’s best-selling over-the-counter medication for many years. Tylenol is a pain relief medication, also known as an analgesic. Unlike other analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen does not cause heart or stomach problems. However, it can cause liver damage when taken in excess or by moderate drinkers. Gardiner Harris analyzes Johnson & Johnson’s role in the 1982 Tylenol poisoning scandal and its role in minimizing the potential for Tylenol overdose.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly carcinogenic. Its microscopic spikes “spear” DNA itself, causing mutations that can lead to cancers like mesothelioma. Two forms of asbestos are tremolite and chrysotile. Asbestos was widely used in building materials, consumer goods, and other products until it was banned in 1989. Asbestos is often found near talc deposits. Asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based Baby Powder led to illnesses like ovarian cancer in women who used it on their genital regions.

Duragesic was Johnson & Johnson’s long-release fentanyl patch designed to compete with Purdue Pharma’s long-release opioid Oxycontin. Fentanyl is a very strong synthetic opioid. Duragesic led to accidental overdoses and deaths, as its reservoir patch system led to inconsistent dosing.