As of Dec. 4, Texans can now legally buy Ivermectin over the counter, thanks to House Bill 25, but experts warn the drug can be dangerous if used inappropriately.
Ivermectin was originally formulated as an antiparasitic – or de-wormer that is used in both animals and humans for certain kinds of roundworms. The drug comes in both pills and a paste and will soon be available without a prescription.
Ivermectin will be directly available from behind the pharmacist’s counter, similar to how pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is sold.
Under the new law, a pharmacist must speak with a patient about potential side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and rash, before dispensing the medication.
The decision has faced significant criticism from some medical experts, who point out that there is no evidence that Ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID-19, though many other medical professionals disputed that claim, saying it was effective.
The law applies to human- grade ivermectin sold at pharmacies. It is still possible to buy animal-grade ivermectin at feed stores, but it is not intended for human consumption and can cause serious health problems.