Ivermectin Returns to the Spotlight—But Is It Safe?

It’s been one of the most polarizing drugs of the decade—and now, it’s back in the spotlight.

North Carolina is pushing forward with a bill that would allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor’s prescription.

Supporters say the move empowers individuals and increases access to affordable medications. Critics say it bypasses medical oversight and ignores the scientific evidence.

So… what’s the truth?

Let’s break it down.

Originally developed in the 1970s as a veterinary dewormer, ivermectin became a human medication used worldwide to treat parasitic diseases like river blindness and scabies.

It was even hailed as a “wonder drug” by some scientists for its global health impact.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin’s legacy got complicated.

Preliminary lab studies suggested it might inhibit SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19.

That early promise led to widespread off-label use and a flood of anecdotal success stories. Some physicians prescribed it. Others warned against it. And the FDA? They flatly said: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.”

Despite the viral headlines and political firestorms, multiple randomized controlled trials have since been published—and most of them don’t support ivermectin’s use for COVID-19.

A 2022 study in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that ivermectin didn’t significantly reduce hospitalizations among high-risk patients . The World Health Organization and the FDA continue to advise against using it to prevent or treat COVID, outside of clinical trials.

But that’s not the full story.

Some smaller studies and meta-analyses suggest there may be a benefit—especially if ivermectin is used early or in combination with other therapies. A 2021 review in American Journal of Therapeutics argued that ivermectin showed “a strong signal of therapeutic benefit.” However, critics of that paper point out issues with trial quality and potential publication bias.

In short: The science isn’t settled. But most high-quality studies don’t back its use for COVID.

House Bill 618—dubbed the Ivermectin Access Act—would allow pharmacists to dispense the drug without a prescription. Lawmakers in favor say it’s about medical freedom, affordability, and trusting pharmacists to use professional judgment.

If passed, North Carolina would join states like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Idaho in allowing easier access to ivermectin.

And that’s where this gets interesting.

Many health freedom advocates—including HHS Secretary RFK Jr.—have called for broader access to “banned” or sidelined therapies like ivermectin. He’s even promised to end the FDA’s suppression of affordable, natural alternatives .

For some, this bill is a win for medical choice. For others, it’s a dangerous departure from evidence-based care.

When used appropriately, ivermectin is generally well tolerated. It’s been safely taken by millions for parasitic infections.

But dosing matters. Overdoses—especially from veterinary formulations—can lead to serious side effects like seizures, vision changes, or nerve damage. And without a physician’s guidance, the risk of misusing the drug increases.

In fact, one woman who testified in favor of the North Carolina bill admitted to using veterinary ivermectin before international travel—and miscalculated her dose, leading to hours of sensory disruption.

Ivermectin may not be the miracle COVID drug many hoped for. But it’s also not the toxic “horse paste” caricature pushed by the media.

The North Carolina bill is reigniting the debate between personal autonomy and medical oversight—and once again exposing the fault lines between mainstream medicine and medical freedom.

Whether you see this as a step forward or a step too far, one thing is clear:

This conversation is far from over.

To informed decisions and open debate,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team