Louisiana passed a bill allowing pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription, pending Governor Landry’s signature. The legislation, SB19, permits adults 18 and older to purchase the anti-parasitic drug under a standing order from the Louisiana Department of Health, eliminating the need for a doctor’s prescription. This follows similar laws in Idaho, Arkansas, and Tennessee, with 16 states proposing or enacting such measures. Ivermectin, used to treat parasitic infections like river blindness, has seen increased demand since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, prescriptions surged from a pre-pandemic baseline of 3,600 to 88,000 weekly, per CDC data. The bill passed the Louisiana House 67-26, with amendments, and awaits Senate approval. Pharmacists in states with similar laws report limited availability, as federal regulations still require prescriptions in many cases.
34news.online
34news.online
