Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter in Texas Pharmacies
Ivermectin, a long-established anti-parasitic drug primarily used for livestock, will soon be available over-the-counter at Texas pharmacies. This significant change follows the passage of legislation that has received notable support from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. The bill is now headed to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.
The Texas Legislature, which is largely dominated by the Republican Party, expedited the bill’s progress after Abbott prioritized the issue during the second special legislative session. This session, which began recently, is set to address various legislative matters before reaching its halfway mark on September 29, 2023. Advocates for the bill assert that it expands medical freedom by allowing individuals greater access to treatment options without the need for a prescription.
Sen. Bob Hall, the Republican senator sponsoring the bill, emphasized that expanding access to ivermectin would particularly benefit rural Texans who may struggle to see a doctor promptly. “This measure hopefully offers all Texans greater medical freedom by increasing their treatment options at a much lower price,” he stated.
Opponents of the legislation, including several Democrats, raised concerns about the safety of allowing the drug to be sold without medical supervision. Sen. Rolando Gutierrez expressed his apprehension, stating, “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.” He pointed out that the Texas Medical Association has opposed the bill, highlighting the potential risks involved.
Hall, however, countered these claims, asserting that ivermectin is one of the safest drugs available when used appropriately. The special session was initially convened in mid-August to address unrelated matters such as congressional redistricting and flood relief, but the push for ivermectin gained momentum quickly.
House Bill 25, introduced by freshman Republican Rep. Joanne Shofner, was filed on the first day of the special session. It passed through two committees in just over a week and faced a series of heated debates before receiving final approval in the Senate on a party-line vote.
On the day before the bill’s passage, Secretary Kennedy praised Texas for its commitment to protecting the “sacred relationship” between patients and healthcare providers. He stated, “Americans should have the choice,” during remarks at Abbott’s office, where he was surrounded by approximately 100 state lawmakers celebrating the bill’s progress.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a strong supporter of the legislation, noted that the backing of two physicians on the Senate floor further underscored the necessity for accessible treatments with fewer side effects than commonly used over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or aspirin.
Once enacted, Texas will join four other states that have already approved the sale of ivermectin in pharmacies. The new law is expected to take effect 90 days after the session concludes, anticipated to be next week. Patrick highlighted the need for increased medical freedom in Texas, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Texas Senate is committed to increasing medical freedom and ensuring Texans have access to the medical drugs they need,” he stated.
Despite the strong push for the bill, Democrats continued to oppose it, employing various strategies to derail the legislation. Their critiques often focused on the safety of ivermectin when not prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals. During a lengthy debate in the Texas House, Shofner, the bill’s author, firmly rebutted attempts to undermine her support, stating, “Not today, Satan.”
When used correctly for approved conditions, ivermectin is typically considered low-risk, with mild side effects such as stomach pain, dizziness, or nausea. However, the FDA warns that serious adverse effects, including neurological disorders and liver complications, can occur, particularly if the medication is misused or interacts negatively with other drugs.
The FDA has approved ivermectin for specific parasitic infections in humans, but it has not sanctioned its use for treating COVID-19. Despite this, some state leaders and alternative medicine proponents have pointed to growing scientific interest in its potential benefits. In Texas, where agriculture and ranching are integral to the culture, the drug has gained a following, especially during the pandemic, when many voiced support for ivermectin as an alternative to vaccines.
As the legislation moves forward, it remains to be seen how the availability of ivermectin over-the-counter will impact healthcare practices and public opinion in Texas.
