As a concerned resident of Pennsylvania, I am writing to urge you to support legislation that would make ivermectin available over-the-counter (OTC) in our state, following the examples of Arkansas and Tennessee. These states have recently passed laws—Arkansas with Senate Bill 189 (passed March 2025) and Tennessee with Senate Bill 2188 (passed April 2022)—to allow OTC access to this safe and effective medication. I believe Pennsylvania should join this growing movement to empower its citizens with greater control over their health and access to proven treatments.

Ivermectin, an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, has been used safely for decades worldwide to treat conditions like river blindness, strongyloidiasis, scabies, and lice. Its long history of safe use, minimal side effects when taken as directed, and affordability make it an ideal candidate for OTC availability. In Tennessee, lawmakers emphasized that ivermectin is “cheap, safe, and effective,” highlighting its potential to provide timely treatment without the need for costly and often inaccessible medical consultations. Similarly, Arkansas Senator Alan Clark, the lead sponsor of SB 189, argued that making ivermectin OTC aligns with common practice, as many individuals already seek it out, and ensures they can access the human formulation safely through pharmacies rather than unregulated sources.

Research and real-world evidence further support ivermectin’s safety profile. It has been administered billions of times globally, particularly in developing countries, with a well-established record of safety at approved doses. The Nobel Prize awarded in 2015 to its developers, William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura, underscores its significance as a transformative public health tool. While the FDA has not approved ivermectin for COVID-19, its off-label use for various conditions is permitted when deemed medically appropriate by healthcare providers, a practice that OTC access would complement by reducing barriers for Pennsylvanians, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The passage of these laws in Arkansas and Tennessee reflects a broader argument for health autonomy and reduced dependency on overburdened healthcare systems. In Tennessee, Senator Frank Niceley emphasized that OTC access allows pharmacists to provide the correct human dose, considering patients’ conditions and medications, enhancing safety over unregulated alternatives like animal formulations. Arkansas lawmakers echoed this sentiment, noting that OTC ivermectin would save time and money for individuals managing common parasitic infections, particularly in areas with limited access to veterinarians or physicians. For me, as a Pennsylvania resident, this resonates deeply, as rural parts of our state face similar challenges with healthcare access.

I respectfully urge you to introduce or support legislation mirroring these states’ efforts. Such a measure would empower Pennsylvanians to manage their health proactively, reduce healthcare costs, and align with the principles of personal freedom and responsibility that define our state and nation. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further with you or your staff. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Notes on Arguments and Research:

1. Safety and Efficacy: Both states highlighted ivermectin’s long history of safe use, its FDA approval for parasitic infections, and its Nobel Prize recognition. Tennessee’s SB 2188 emphasized its role as a therapeutic option, while Arkansas’s SB 189 focused on aligning law with practical use.
2. Health Autonomy: Lawmakers in both states argued that OTC access empowers individuals to manage their health, a key point raised by Senator Niceley in Tennessee and Senator Clark in Arkansas.
3. Access and Cost: Both states emphasized reducing barriers to healthcare, especially in rural areas, and cutting costs by eliminating the need for prescriptions. This was a practical argument for small farmers and individuals unable to easily access medical care.
4. Pharmacist Oversight: Tennessee’s law ensures pharmacists provide guidance under collaborative agreements, enhancing safety, a model that could be adapted in Pennsylvania.