A bill that would make it legal for Iowa pharmacists to make over-the-counter sales of two prescription medications some people sought during the pandemic has cleared a House subcommittee, but a key lawmaker says changes must be made in the bill. Ivermectin is a prescription drug the F-D-A has approved as treatment of parasites like worms and head lice. Hydroxychloroquine is prescribed for malaria and lupus. Organizations representing doctors, nurses, and pharmacists oppose the bill.
Seth Brown is a lobbyist for the Iowa Medical Society, as well as associations that represent Iowa pediatricians and specialists who treat patients with arthritis. “There are significant adverse impacts to these medications, particularly hydroxychloroquine,” he said. “There needs to be clinical oversight and regular check-ins to make sure it’s that being used properly.” He says the drugs can cause serious heart and liver issues. Those supporting the bill say billions of doses of ivermectin have been given worldwide and other states have passed laws allowing it to be sold without a prescription.
