The Texas Legislature has approved a bill that would make ivermectin available to Texans without a prescription.
The bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who has listed it as a priority and is expected to sign it into law. If the bill is signed by the governor, Texas would become the fifth state to allow over-the-counter access to the drug.
House Bill 25, which was authored by state Rep. Joanne Shofner (R), passed the House 87-47 after a heated three-hour debate. Ultimately, the vote was largely along party lines.
The Senate approved the bill with a 20-6 vote.
State Rep. Shofner described the legislation as a matter of “medical freedom,” particularly for Texans in rural areas.
“It’s absolutely important for our rural communities – and there’s a lot of people in urban communities that are not able to get to their doctor – that they have more access to their pharmacist than they would their health care practitioner,” she said.
The bill would not place ivermectin directly on pharmacy shelves. Instead, it would make it available upon request from behind the counter, similar to Sudafed. Pharmacists would be shielded from liability if consumers suffer adverse reactions.
Supporters like state Senator Bob Hall (R) have argued that ivermectin has a long history of off-label use.
“It has a better safety record than Tylenol,” the state senator said.
During a Capitol visit, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I) also praised the bill, saying, “I think Americans should have the choice.”
Democrats however have scrutinized the bill, calling it dangerous and misleading.
“Let’s be clear. This is a drug that is used on horses, donkeys, correct?” questioned state Senator Roland Gutierrez (D). State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D) called the bill “bananas” and “crackpot.”
Critics have also warned of risks to children, since the bill sets no age restrictions.
The FDA approves ivermectin for treating parasitic worms in humans but has not authorized it for COVID-19 treatment.
