Louisiana moves to make ivermectin available over the counter

The controversial drug ivermectin would be available for sale over the counter in Louisiana without a doctor’s prescription if a proposal in the Legislature becomes law. 

Proponents claim ivermectin has been used to successfully treat symptoms of COVID-19, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said research doesn’t support such use.

The House Committee on Health and Welfare approved House Bill 312, by Rep. Charles “Chuck” Owen, R-Rosepine, in a 7-4 vote Wednesday morning, sending it to the House floor for consideration.

Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Schriever, presented the bill for Owen, saying ivermectin has been “deemed as safe as Tylenol” and used successfully to treat head lice, rosacea and asthma. Over-the-counter topical creams with ivermectin are available to treat skin ailments, but the FDA has only approved the drug’s internal use for certain intestinal parasites.

Committee members questioned whether the state could approve ivermectin purchases without a prescription if the FDA hasn’t condoned such use. Amedee noted Tennessee did so in 2022, and physicians in Louisiana have referred patients to Tennessee pharmacies to obtain ivermectin. 

Jill Hines, co-founder of Health Freedom Louisiana, testified in support of Owen’s bill. She said the World Health Organization, “although it’s a group we don’t like,” has endorsed ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, which is not entirely factual. WHO has only supported the drug’s use in clinical trials.

Hines, who is not a medical expert, was asked about Amedee’s claim that ivermectin is as harmless as Tylenol. She said her household does not use Tylenol because she considers it unsafe.