Proposed Bill Could Soon Make Ivermectin Available at Pharmacies

Ivermectin, initially designed for animals, became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Louisiana, this drug can presently be found exclusively at livestock and feed stores; however, pharmacists might soon have permission to distribute it as well.

The drug, which goes by the name Stromectol, was initially uncovered in the late '70s in Japan.

For many years, this medication has been employed in the U.S. as an agent to eliminate worms from farm animals. However, when human trials were conducted in Africa, it was discovered that the drug could cure those infected with river blindness by eliminating the parasitic larvae. This groundbreaking discovery earned the scientists involved a Nobel Prize.

Senator Michael Fesi's plan would allow Ivermectin to be dispensed at pharmacies in controlled amounts suitable for human use. This legislation is supported by Louisiana's Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham.

"I see this as more of a patient autonomy choice," he continued. "These individuals have likely obtained the medication from various sources such as pharmacies within the state, outside the state, or even pet stores, and they use it every day. As a family doctor, my worry is that if patients decide to continue using it, I should be involved in those discussions." Said Abraham.

Tennessee, Idaho, Utah, and Arkansas have enacted comparable laws.

Some people refer to Ivermectin as a "miracle drug," asserting that it combats COVID-19 and even works against cancer; however, both the Louisiana Department of Health and the World Health Organization have not validated these claims regarding the drug's efficacy for those purposes.

"And that's sort of what worries me. Usually, when we make a medication available without prescription and promote it for specific uses—maybe the FDA hasn't sanctioned it yet—but occasionally, the World Health Organization might have provided some guidance on it. It appears this remains somewhat ambiguous," Senator Katrina R. Jackson-Andrews stated.

At present, the FDA has authorized Ivermectin tablets for treating certain parasitic worms and as a topical treatment for issues such as head lice and skin conditions including rosacea.

The legislation is awaiting approval from the House at present.