A bill to allow ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug that made headlines during the pandemic, to be sold over the counter in Louisiana advances from House Health and Welfare. Gray Representative Beryl Amedee said it’s safe, effective, and virtually harmless for humans.
“And in Louisiana, I believe that this should be available and accessible to citizens without having to go through the whole process of a doctor’s visit to get a prescription,” said Amedee.
Amedee presented the bill for fellow Republican, Rosepine Representative Chuck Owen.
Kenner Republican Representative Joseph Stagni expressed reservations about the state allowing ivermectin for humans to be sold over the counter versus a medical organization.
“I have some concerns about the bill and having this committee authorize that when really the FDA should look at it or pharmacy board should look at it, but that’s just my concern,” said Stagni.
When asked if the medication manufacturers want the human version to be sold OTC, Amedee said while she hasn’t spoken with them, she felt they would be happy about it. She said other states allow it, for example, Tennessee, which has done so for two years.
“If there was a problem with the manufacturer not wanting to have this done or if there was a problem with the state’s authority to do so, surely the states that have already done so wouldn’t be able to,” said Amedee.
The bill passed on a 7-4 vote and advances to the House.
