North Carolina Bill to Allow Over-the-Counter Ivermectin Sparks COVID-19 Controversy

A proposed legislation in North Carolina, known as the "Ivermectin Access Act," may soon enable residents to obtain ivermectin without a prescription. This development has reignited debates surrounding the use of the drug, which previously garnered international attention during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its controversial off-label applications.

The bill, currently advancing through legislative committees, would require the state to implement a standing order by October 1 that permits licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor’s prescription. Moreover, it would protect pharmacists from civil and criminal liability when dispensing the drug under this order. If enacted, the law would take immediate effect.

The legislation passed the judiciary and rules committees on May 6, suggesting it is likely to reach the House floor shortly before the legislative deadline. Supporters, including Rep. Jonathan Almond, argue that ivermectin is a safe, affordable medication with minimal side effects and should be more easily accessible. Almond highlighted that the drug is often used without prescriptions and compared its potential over-the-counter availability to other medications like Narcan, which was transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.

Almond also noted that a few states—Idaho, Arkansas, and Tennessee—have already adopted similar laws, with others in the legislative pipeline.

Ivermectin was developed in Japan in the 1970s as a veterinary anti-parasitic drug. Later, it was approved for certain parasitic infections and skin conditions such as rosacea. Its use during the COVID-19 pandemic was highly debated—initial laboratory studies suggested the drug could influence the virus at high concentrations, but these findings did not translate into clinical efficacy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ivermectin for preventing or treating COVID-19, issuing warnings against its use in humans outside approved indications, especially veterinary formulations, due to potential risks and untested ingredients.

Side effects reported include muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, bleeding and seizures. Critics, including Democrat Rep. Marcia Morey, have voiced concerns about safety and the lack of federal approval, emphasizing the importance of medical guidance. Conversely, some supporters have shared personal anecdotes about perceived benefits and experiences with ivermectin, often obtained from out-of-state sources or holistic practitioners.

The debate continues as the legislation moves forward, raising questions about drug accessibility, safety, and the influence of legislative decisions on public health practices.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-nc-bill-prescription-ivermectin-reignites.html