Idaho Lawmakers Advance Bill to Make Ivermectin Available Without Prescription
BOISE, Idaho — A bill that would allow the sale of ivermectin without a prescription has passed out of the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee on a 4-3 vote and will move forward for full Senate consideration.
House Bill 135 proposes to make ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication, available over the counter in Idaho. The drug is currently prescribed for parasitic infections in humans and is widely used in veterinary medicine. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Kelly Anthon, argued that ivermectin is legally available without a prescription in many other countries and described the medication as affordable and low-risk for misuse. He stated that broader access to the drug could benefit low-income individuals with limited access to healthcare. Anthon also noted that states such as Arkansas and Tennessee have passed similar laws during this legislative session.
Supporters of the bill cited personal and anecdotal experiences. Brian Festa, an attorney based in Idaho and co-founder of a nonprofit legal group, testified about a client who reportedly self-administered veterinary-grade ivermectin and experienced rapid recovery. Specific medical details were not provided.
Opposition to the bill came from pharmacy representatives and some lawmakers. Pam Eaton, representing the Idaho State Pharmacy Association, said the proposal has raised significant concern among pharmacists. She noted that ivermectin is not currently manufactured for over-the-counter sale and lacks FDA-approved consumer labeling. Eaton emphasized that over-the-counter medications must include proper instructions and warnings to ensure safe use.
Sen. Anthon responded that if the law is enacted, U.S. manufacturers may develop properly labeled over-the-counter versions to meet state requirements and liability protections.
The measure does not mandate that pharmacies stock or sell ivermectin. Pharmacies would retain the right to decide whether to offer it.
Senators who opposed the bill expressed concerns about insufficient medical input and a lack of scientific review. Sen. James Ruchti questioned the rationale for selecting ivermectin specifically and called for decisions based on medical research rather than political influence. Sen. Treg Bernt echoed the need for medical testimony before supporting the proposal.
Committee chair Sen. Jim Guthrie shared a personal account involving a relative who experienced severe illness after using ivermectin during a COVID-19 infection. He stated that it remains unclear whether the symptoms were due to the drug or the illness, but cited the incident as reason for caution.
The bill now proceeds to the Idaho Senate floor for further debate and possible amendments.
