Pharmacists express concerns over insufficient guidelines as ivermectin becomes available without prescription
Head to Boise, Idaho, and you might find a surge of calls to your local pharmacies inquiring about a controversial medication called ivermectin. This isn't because residents are suffering from an epidemic of intestinal worms. No, they're after the drug due to its supposed miraculous abilities to cure everything from COVID-19 to cancer, as fueled by social media rumors.
Pharmacist Matt Murray, the director of operations for an independent pharmacy, finds himself in the peculiar position of having to disappoint these hopeful callers. While Idaho Gov. Brad Little recently signed a bill into law mandating that ivermectin be available over the counter, it hasn't exactly made matters easy for pharmacists like Murray.
Ivermectin, contrary to frenzied social media claims, hasn't been formulated or labeled for over-the-counter use. Without proper guidance, there's concern that people could overdose on the medication, causing serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, seizures, coma, and even death. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against taking large doses of ivermectin.
This controversial drug first appeared as a veterinary drug in the 1970s, thanks to the work of Japanese biochemist Satoshi Ōmura. It later proved to be a groundbreaking treatment for dangerous and disfiguring tropical diseases such as river blindness, tapeworms, and scabies. However, during the pandemic, the true benefits of the drug got twisted and distorted due to a social media frenzy, leading many to embrace it in direct opposition to public health officials.
Politicians in 16 states, including Idaho, have proposed legislation to make ivermectin readily available for anyone without a prescription. Most of these bills only permit healthcare providers and pharmacists to distribute ivermectin without a prescription, while some, like Maine's proposed legislation, even allow it for Covid, cancer, or the flu.
However, pharmacists remain concerned about the risks involved with selling ivermectin over the counter without proper FDA guidance, and rightfully so. After all, if dispensing an unlabeled, potentially dangerous medication causes harm, who's liable?
As the debate rages on, it's essential to stick to credible sources and remember that, despite the social media buzz, there's no solid evidence to support the claims that ivermectin can treat cancer or COVID-19 effectively. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions regarding your health.
Pension plans might advice their members to exercise caution regarding the use of certain medications, such as ivermectin, given the ongoing debate about its over-the-counter availability. Insurance companies could face potential claims due to the misuse of ivermectin, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against taking large doses without proper guidance. In the realm of politics, the proposed legislation to make ivermectin available without a prescription in some states raises questions about general-news reporting and the accuracy of health-and-wellness information shared on social media.
