Oklahoma House Approves Over-the-Counter Ivermectin Sales

Legislation allows human formulations to be sold without a prescription

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:47pm

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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

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.