Utah lawmaker introduces bill to make ivermectin more available
A Utah Republican lawmaker has filed legislation that would make the antiparasitic drug ivermectin available over the counter at pharmacies.
TL;DR
- Utah House Bill 96 proposes making ivermectin available over the counter at pharmacies.
- The bill would allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin if a doctor preauthorizes distribution and a risk assessment is conducted.
- State Rep. Trevor Lee (R-UT) sponsored the bill, linking it to medical freedom and the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
- The "Make America Healthy Again" initiative originated under the Trump administration and aims to address chronic diseases.
- Lee has also supported legislation to reduce vaccine requirements for children.
- Ivermectin is FDA-approved for parasite treatment and topical use for certain skin conditions.
- Major health organizations like the FDA and WHO do not recommend ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment outside of clinical trials.
- Concerns exist about the safety of animal-grade ivermectin for human consumption.
- Other states, like Texas and Arizona, have also considered or passed legislation to expand ivermectin access.