WV Senate Health Committee Advances Ivermectin OTC Bill

Jan 16, 2026, 2:58 AM

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The West Virginia Senate Health Committee has taken a significant step by advancing a bill that would permit the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin, a medication primarily used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms. This decision allows individuals to request ivermectin from pharmacists without needing a doctor's prescription for specific conditions or dosages.

Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, aims to make ivermectin more accessible to the public. Rucker believes that the risks associated with the drug are minimal, likening it to common over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, which can be misused but are generally safe when taken as directed.

Under the proposed legislation, pharmacists would not be required to consult with a doctor or provide a consultation before selling ivermectin. However, they would be obligated to give customers an information sheet detailing the FDA-approved uses of the drug. Importantly, pharmacists who choose to sell ivermectin would be protected from civil, criminal, or professional liability arising from its use.

Despite the bill's advancement, concerns have been voiced regarding the potential dangers of unsupervised access to ivermectin. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, a physician, expressed worries about the lack of dosage limits and the risks associated with off-label use. He highlighted that high doses of ivermectin could lead to serious health complications, including drops in blood pressure, increased heart rate, seizures, and even severe skin reactions.

Takubo noted that while ivermectin is generally well-tolerated at appropriate doses, the absence of scientific evidence supporting its use for conditions beyond those approved by the FDA complicates the situation. He emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent misuse, stating, "If someone doesn't know what dose of ivermectin or how much to take then, yes, there are significant toxicities.".

The bill's proponents argue that it empowers West Virginians to make informed choices about their health. Kevan Bartlett, R-Kanawha, acknowledged the lack of scientific backing for ivermectin's efficacy against COVID-19 but shared a personal anecdote of using the drug during his illness, claiming it alleviated his symptoms.

The push for broader access to ivermectin gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many advocating for its use as a treatment for the virus. However, the FDA has not approved ivermectin for such purposes, and no clinical trials have validated these claims.

Joey Garcia, D-Marion, criticized the bill as a "political football," suggesting that the focus on ivermectin detracts from more pressing health issues. He argued that just because other states have enacted similar legislation does not mean it is the right course of action for West Virginia.

The bill has now moved to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If passed, it could significantly change how ivermectin is accessed in West Virginia, reflecting ongoing debates about medication regulation and public health policy in the state.

As the legislative process continues, the implications of this bill will be closely monitored, particularly regarding public health and safety in the context of over-the-counter medication access.

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