Ivermectin to be Available Over-the-Counter in Texas Pharmacies

AUSTIN — Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug commonly used for livestock but gaining in popularity for human ailments, will be available from Texas pharmacies without a prescription under legislation applauded this week by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and headed to the governor’s desk.

Lawmakers in the GOP-dominated Texas Legislature fast-tracked the bill after Gov. Greg Abbott added over-the-counter ivermectin to his list of priorities last week for the second special legislative session, which reaches its halfway mark Friday.

Medical Freedom and Accessibility

Sponsors touted the drug’s efficacy against not only the parasitic infections for which it is federally approved, but also for viral infections — the use for which is not yet approved in the U.S. — and said the state shouldn’t stand in the way of medical freedom.

“Expanding access to ivermectin would especially help our rural Texans and those who have trouble accessing swift access to a doctor by eliminating the need for a prescription,” said state Sen. Bob Hall, the Edgewood Republican carrying the bill in the Senate. “This measure hopefully offers all Texans greater medical freedom by increasing their treatment options at a much lower price.”

Opposition from Democrats

Democrats fought hard against its passage, calling the drug too dangerous to endorse for widespread use without a doctor’s supervision and noting the bill was opposed by the Texas Medical Association.

“You want consumers in your community to be able to go to a pharmacy and take a very dangerous drug over the counter without having to go to a physician, a drug that’s meant for horses,” said state Sen. Rolando Gutierrez, D-San Antonio. “And you want people to be able to buy it without any kind of guidance, certainly no prescription, no observation, and no consultation with their physicians.”

Support from Republicans

Hall disagreed, saying the drug is “considered one of the safest drugs out there.”

The special session was initially called in mid-August to deal with congressional redistricting and flood relief, among other unrelated issues. Democrats shut down the first session by leaving the state to derail the effort to send more Republicans to Washington. Some of those priorities have been accomplished. Many are still waiting for final votes.

Legislative Process

House Bill 25, by freshman state Rep. Joanne Shofner, R-Nacogdoches, was filed on the first day of the second special session. Just over a week later, it passed two committees and stumbled through a hastily called hearing and two raucous floor debates in 24 hours before winning final approval by the Senate along party lines late Wednesday.

Hours before the bill won final passage, Kennedy praised Texas’ vision to protect the “sacred relationship” between patients, doctors and their personal healthcare decisions.

“Americans should have the choice,” Kennedy said in remarks at Abbott’s office Wednesday, flanked by 100 state lawmakers in a celebration of bills passed earlier this year that supported the secretary’s “Make American Healthy Again” campaign.

Impact on Texas

Texas will join four states that have approved it for sale in pharmacies when the new law goes into effect 90 days after the session ends, expected next week.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for increased medical freedom in Texas,” Patrick said in a statement. “The Texas Senate is committed to increasing medical freedom and ensuring Texans have access to the medical drugs they need.”

Safety Concerns

When used properly as treatments for approved conditions, ivermectin is considered low risk and the side effects relatively mild, according to the FDA. They can include stomach pain, eye swelling or pain, itchy skin, dizziness or nausea.

Rare but more serious side effects can include neurological disorders, seizures and liver problems, as well as coma or death, according to the FDA. Those risks are significantly increased when they interact with some drugs or are taken above or outside the dosages approved for humans.

Medical Opinion

Supporters in the Senate included state Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican, physician and pharmacist, and state Sen. Donna Campbell, a Hill Country Republican and emergency room doctor.

Both said the medicine is low risk when used properly and noted that people have been using it responsibly, purchasing the medication at feed or tractor supply stores and using it for parasitic infections already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Conclusion

The passage of the bill allowing ivermectin to be sold over-the-counter in Texas pharmacies marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to medical freedom. While some have raised concerns about the safety of the drug, its supporters argue that it is a low-risk medication that can provide relief to those suffering from parasitic infections and other ailments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ivermectin?

A: Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug commonly used for livestock but also used to treat human ailments.

Q: Why is ivermectin being made available over-the-counter in Texas pharmacies?

A: The Texas Legislature has passed a bill allowing ivermectin to be sold without a prescription in order to increase medical freedom and provide greater access to treatment options for Texans.

Q: Is ivermectin safe to use?

A: When used properly as treatments for approved conditions, ivermectin is considered low risk and the side effects relatively mild, according to the FDA. However, rare but more serious side effects can occur, especially when interacting with other drugs or taken in excessive doses.

Q: What are the potential side effects of ivermectin?

A: Potential side effects of ivermectin include stomach pain, eye swelling or pain, itchy skin, dizziness or nausea, as well as more serious risks such as neurological disorders, seizures, and liver problems.

Q: How will the new law affect Texans?

A: The new law will allow Texans to purchase ivermectin without a prescription, increasing their access to treatment options and providing greater medical freedom. However, it is essential to use the medication responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of side effects.