Featured

Texas Lawmakers Debate Over-the-Counter Ivermectin Access

Texas lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow pharmacists to sell ivermectin over the counter, reviving a heated debate about the drug’s use and oversight.

House Bill 3219, authored by state Rep. Joanne Shofner (R), would direct Texas’ health commissioner to issue a standing order permitting pharmacists to provide ivermectin directly to patients. The bill was heard this week in the House Public Health Committee and remains pending.

“Ivermectin is a safe, affordable drug with minimal side effects,” state Rep. Shofner said. “By allowing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin over the counter, we can assure that proper labeling and dosage instructions are provided so that there’s minimal risk of side effects.”

Originally developed as an anti-parasitic, ivermectin garnered national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic after some physicians used it off-label to treat the virus. Despite being FDA-approved for human use since 1987, federal agencies advised against its use for COVID. This led to significant public and professional debate.

However, state Rep. Shofner emphasized that the drug would not be freely available on store shelves.

“This is not going to be next to Tylenol or Pepto Bismol on the shelf,” she clarified. “This will be with the pharmacist, and they are required to give out the proper instructions on dosage amounts.”

Supporters of the bill include Texans for Vaccine Choice.

Michelle Evans, the group’s political director, testified that the measure would empower patients and reduce fear among pharmacists. “Often [ivermectin prescriptions] were denied out of fear of being reported to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy or Texas Medical Board,” Evans commented.

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) however opposes the bill.

Dr. Zeke Silva, speaking on behalf of TMA, warned of potential complications. “There needs to be a physician-patient relationship any time a medication is administered,” he said, citing potential interactions with drugs like Warfarin.

If the effort passes, Texas joins Arkansas, Tennessee, and Idaho in allowing over-the-counter ivermectin access.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Texas at the Center of U.S. LNG Export Boom as 2025 Sets New Records

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have surged to historic levels in 2025, solidifying the…

18 hours ago

Former Speaker Dade Phelan Announces Retirement from Texas House

Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) announced that he will not seek reelection to…

18 hours ago

Ken Paxton Files Brief Seeking Removal of 13 House Democrats

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has submitted a merits brief to the Supreme Court of…

18 hours ago

Governor Abbott Announces $40M for Kerrville Long-Term Flood Recovery

Governor Greg Abbott (R) today announced a $40 million commitment to support long-term housing recovery…

18 hours ago

Byron Donalds Endorses Roy for TX Attorney General

Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) is endorsing Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) in his run for Texas…

1 day ago

LONESTAR — 8.22.2025 — Texas House Passes Redistricting Bill — Chip Roy Announces Attorney General Bid — and More...

The Texas House has passed the "One Big Beautiful Congressional Map." After weeks of deliberation…

2 days ago