CITIZENS NEWS

Idaho Legislature clears path for over-the-counter ivermectin sales

By avagrace // 2025-04-14

• Idaho's Senate Bill (SB) 1211 allowing over-the-counter sales of ivermectin without a prescription has been approved by the state Senate (29-9) and House (66-1), and now awaits Gov. Brad Little’s decision.
• Primarily used for parasitic infections, ivermectin gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic despite FDA warnings against its use for treating the virus.
• The bill moved quickly through committees and floor votes, with proponents framing it as a matter of personal.
• Critics, including pharmacists and some lawmakers, warn of potential dangers, citing FDA advisories and past cases of ivermectin overdoses during the pandemic. Retail pharmacists also noted the lack of clear usage instructions.
• The bill reflects a national divide between personal freedom and public health, with similar laws passed in Arkansas and Tennessee. The outcome in Idaho will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors.

In a move that has sparked hope for health freedom, the two chambers of the Idaho Legislature have passed Senate Bill (SB) 1211 – which paves the way for ivermectin to be sold over the counter without a prescription. SB 1211 was swiftly approved by the Idaho Senate in a 29-9 vote, while the Idaho House of Representatives passed it in a 66-1 vote. Given this development, the bill is now on the desk of Gov. Brad Little – who has yet to publicly comment on whether he will sign it into law. The proposal seeks to remove the requirement for a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional before purchasing ivermectin. However, it has ignited a fierce debate among lawmakers, medical professionals. and the public. (Related: Washington doctor fined for prescribing ivermectin as COVID treatment.) Primarily used to treat parasitic infections in animals and humans, ivermectin gained significant attention during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some studies and doctors touted its potential to treat the virus, leading to a surge in its popularity. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, issuing warnings against its use for this purpose, particularly in forms intended for animals. Despite the FDA's stance, the drug's proponents argue that it has a proven track record in treating various conditions. State Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon (R-District 47), a co-sponsor of the bill, described ivermectin as a "wonder drug" with a wide range of applications – citing its use in treating parasites and worms in humans. Anthon emphasized that the bill does not mandate the use or sale of the drug but simply removes a barrier, allowing individuals to access it more easily.

SB 1211 sparks heated debate about health freedom

Other state senators also echoed Anthon's support of the bill. State Sen. Carl Bjerke (R-District 5) said he was willing to "throw caution to the wind" and give his constituents the opportunity to look after their own health. State Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld (R-District 24), who shared that she had taken ivermectin for years, also backed the bill. Critics of the bill, including pharmacists and some lawmakers, have raised concerns about the potential risks of making ivermectin available over the counter. State Sen. James Ruchti (D-District 29), assistant Senate democratic leader, argued that the lack of endorsement from medical professionals should give lawmakers pause. Opponents also argued during the debate that without proper guidance, individuals may misuse the drug – leading to adverse effects. The Idaho Retailers Association, representing a group of retail pharmacists, expressed concerns about the lack of an "over-the-counter" label with clear usage instructions. But State Sen. Tammy Nichols (R-District 10) reiterated that the legislation was not about promoting the use of ivermectin. Instead, it was about giving people the freedom to choose. As SB 1211 awaits Little's decision, its passage reflects a broader trend – with Arkansas and Tennessee having already enacted similar measures. Watch this video about how ivermectin worked for COVID-19 patients. This video is from the GenXquestions channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ivermectin outperforms chemo in breast cancer treatment, study finds. Ivermectin works best when taken with high-fat foods. Ivermectin works, even if the establishment falsely claims otherwise. Social media, fact-checkers embarrassingly quiet on ivermectin hoax. Why is ivermectin STILL not being prescribed for covid? Sources include:  ZeroHedge.com BoisesStatePublicRadio.org IdahoPress.com Brighteon.com

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