Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed Senate Bill 189 into law, making ivermectin available for over-the-counter purchase without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. This decision positions Arkansas as the second state in the U.S., after Tennessee, to allow unrestricted access to the drug for human use, sparking debates over medical freedom and public health concerns.
What the Law Entails
The legislation, signed on March 25, 2025, explicitly permits the sale and purchase of ivermectin, suitable for human consumption as an over-the-counter medication. The law will take effect 90 days after the state legislature adjourns, granting Arkansans broader access to the drug without requiring oversight from medical professionals. The legislation states that, “Ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication in this state without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional.”
The Controversial History of Ivermectin
Ivermectin, originally developed in the 1970s as an antiparasitic treatment, has been widely used to combat parasitic infections such as river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. In 2015, the drug earned its developers the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine due to its transformative impact on global health.
However, ivermectin became a polarizing topic during the COVID-19 pandemic when some promoted it as an alternative treatment despite limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy against the virus. Health agencies, including the FDA, have consistently warned against using ivermectin for COVID-19, citing safety concerns and fraudulent studies claiming its effectiveness.
Supporters’ Perspective
Proponents of the bill argue that making ivermectin more accessible promotes medical freedom and personal choice. Senator Alan Clark and Representative Mary Bentley championed the legislation, emphasizing that individuals should have the ability to decide their own treatment options. Bentley shared a personal story about her father’s death, alleging that doctors refused to prescribe ivermectin during his final days while her mother recovered after self-administering the drug.
Brock Thompson, a supporter of the bill who described himself as being “in the medical field,” praised the legislation for validating doctors who faced criticism for prescribing ivermectin during the pandemic. Thompson also highlighted anecdotal cases of successful COVID-19 recoveries linked to ivermectin use.
Secretary of HHS RFK, Jr. stated, “Ivermectin, therefore, is thousands of times safer than remdesivir and COVID vaccines. The science also indicates that it is far more effective than either.”
Criticism and Concerns
Medical professionals and critics have expressed significant concerns about the new law. They worry that over-the-counter access could lead to misuse, incorrect dosing, and self-medication without proper diagnoses. Democratic Representative Stephen Magie argued that pharmacists should be involved in advising patients about potential side effects and interactions with other medications. He also raised concerns about the lack of regulatory “guardrails” in the bill.
The FDA continues to classify ivermectin as a prescription-only drug and warns against taking large doses or combining it with other medications like blood thinners. Critics also point out that while ivermectin is relatively safe when used correctly for approved conditions, its widespread use for unapproved purposes could pose risks.
Implications for Arkansas
The law reflects broader debates about medical autonomy and skepticism toward established healthcare systems. Supporters view it as a win for personal freedom, while opponents caution against potential public health risks. As other states consider similar legislation, Arkansas’s decision may set a precedent for how controversial medications are regulated in the future.
The law goes into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns.
