New Law Lets Pharmacists Dispense Ivermectin
Over the Counter Starting December 4, 2025
Texas will soon join Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, and Tennessee by allowing the purchase of ivermectin without a prescription starting December 4, 2025, after the passage of House Bill 25.
House Bill 25 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to individuals without a prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner, provided that pharmacists follow standardized protocols issued by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
The law stipulates pharmacists must act prudently and provide patients with instructions on appropriate use before dispensing the medication, which has been traditionally used for parasite treatment.
Critics, including medical groups, warn that removing physician oversight risks incorrect dosage and safety since ivermectin can interact with other medications and requires proper medical guidance.
Proponents frame the bill as a victory for “medical freedom” and increased access, especially in rural areas where pharmacy access outstrips physician availability.
The bill passed the Texas House in August 2025 after a partisan debate, emphasizing concerns over pharmacists refusing prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic when ivermectin was controversially used off-label.
Doctors note ivermectin’s approved uses remain for parasitic infections and caution against unapproved uses for viral illnesses like COVID-19, which federal bodies like the FDA have warned against.
Texas pharmacists will have a key role in ensuring patient safety under the new law and must adhere to all regulations and communicate side effects and risks.
The new legal framework will allow Texans easier over-the-counter access to ivermectin at pharmacies, not on retail shelves, aligning with how medicines like Sudafed are dispensed.
