Oklahoma House Approves Over-the-Counter Ivermectin Sales

Legislation allows human formulations to be sold without a prescription

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow the human formulation of ivermectin to be sold over-the-counter, without a prescription. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, said he introduced the legislation because animal formulations of the drug are already available over-the-counter and being purchased by the general public.

Why it matters

The move to make ivermectin more accessible as an over-the-counter treatment is controversial, as the drug has not been approved by the FDA for use against COVID-19 and its efficacy and safety for that purpose remain unproven. Proponents argue it should be a personal choice, while critics warn it could lead to unsafe self-medication.

The details

House Bill 4124 would permit the sale of the human formulation of ivermectin without a prescription. Fetgatter said he introduced the bill because animal versions of the drug are already available over-the-counter and being used by the public, despite warnings from health officials about the dangers of using unapproved veterinary products.

  • The Oklahoma House passed the bill on February 18, 2026.

The players

Rep. Scott Fetgatter

A Republican state representative from Okmulgee, Oklahoma who introduced the bill to allow over-the-counter sales of the human formulation of ivermectin.

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What they’re saying

“I introduced House Bill 4124 because animal formulations are already available over-the-counter and being bought by the general public.”

— Rep. Scott Fetgatter, State Representative (Tulsa World)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Oklahoma State Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects the ongoing debate over ivermectin's use as a COVID-19 treatment, with proponents arguing for personal choice and critics warning about the risks of unregulated access to the drug.