In a surprising move, Arkansas legislators have voted in favor of allowing the over-the-counter sales of ivermectin, a drug typically used to treat parasitic infections in animals but has been touted by some as a treatment for COVID-19. The bill has been passed by both the state House and Senate and will now be sent to the governor’s desk for approval.
Supporters of the bill argue that ivermectin has shown promise in treating COVID-19 and should be more accessible to the general public. However, critics warn that the drug has not been approved by the FDA for this use and can have harmful side effects if not taken properly. Additionally, there is a concern that widespread availability of ivermectin could lead to misuse and contribute to the rise of drug-resistant parasites.
Despite these concerns, the bill passed with overwhelming support in the Arkansas legislature. If signed into law by the governor, it would make Arkansas the first state in the country to allow over-the-counter sales of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19.
It is important to note that the FDA and leading health experts have not endorsed the use of ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, and it is not included in current guidelines for managing the virus. As the debate over ivermectin continues, it will be interesting to see how this decision plays out in Arkansas and what impact it may have on the ongoing response to the pandemic.
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