Hearing held on proposal to make human ivermectin available over the counter

Representative Mavic introduced LC520943, a hearing-only proposal brought by constituents to permit over-the-counter sale of human-formulation ivermectin. The sponsor described ivermectin as an anti-parasitic drug developed in 1980 and approved by the FDA for certain uses, and said it has an excellent safety profile for indicated uses. The sponsor acknowledged that the FDA has not approved ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment and cited contraindications including pregnancy, breastfeeding and interactions with certain medications.

Members asked clarifying questions about the current prescription status for human formulations and whether the FDA approves human-use ivermectin without a prescription; the sponsor said most non-human formulations are the ones commonly bought at farm and supply stores and that the proposal would bring a human formulation to OTC availability and that warning labels would likely be required. The chair closed the item and said more would be heard at a later date.