WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 618

Ivermectin Access Act.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Jonathan Almond and 25 co-sponsors

HB 618 allows North Carolina prescribers to directly dispense ivermectin to patients, bypassing pharmacies and potentially increasing off-label use without stronger clinical evidence requirements.

Amend Failed A1
#alternativemedicine;dhhs;healthservices;occupations;pharmaceuticals;pharmacists&pharmacies;public;publichealth;stateemployees;liability;statehealthdirector
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 618

Legislative bill overview

HB 618 would expand access to ivermectin in North Carolina by allowing prescribers to dispense or distribute the medication directly to patients without requiring a traditional pharmacy intermediary. The bill appears designed to streamline the prescription process for this antiparasitic drug, which has FDA approval for treating certain parasitic infections in humans.

Why is this important

Ivermectin has become a politically and medically contentious medication due to widespread promotion for off-label uses—particularly as a COVID-19 treatment—despite limited clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for that purpose. This bill's passage could significantly affect how the drug is distributed and potentially influence prescription patterns beyond its established medical uses, with implications for both patient access and public health messaging.

Potential points of contention

  • Off-label use concerns: The bill may facilitate prescribing for conditions without robust clinical evidence (like COVID-19), contradicting CDC and FDA guidance and potentially encouraging unproven treatments
  • Pharmacy bypass implications: Removing traditional pharmacy oversight could reduce medication safety checks, drug interaction reviews, and patient counseling typically provided by pharmacists
  • Public health messaging: The legislation could be perceived as legitimizing ivermectin as a broader therapeutic agent, potentially undermining confidence in established COVID-19 and other treatments with stronger evidence bases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.