AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday afternoon, the Texas House approved a bill allowing Texans to buy ivermectin without a prescription.

Rep. Joanne Shofner (R-Nacogdoches) filed House Bill 25. It would make ivermectin available behind the pharmacist counter, like Sudafed.

Some people use the anti-parasitic drug to treat COVID-19, even though the Food and Drug Administration has not approved that usage.

Supporters said the bill would provide medical freedom and better access, especially for rural Texans living far from a doctor.

Rep. Dr. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress), an anesthesiologist, supports expanding access to this off-label use of the drug.

"This drug has a very good safety record and a very good safety profile,” said Oliverson during the floor debate on Wednesday. “There are other medic

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