Bill would make it easier to obtain ivermectin in New Hampshire

Some lawmakers hope to allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin by means of standing orders.

WMUR 9 TV  CONCORD, N.H. —

Lawmakers in Concord are trying to make it easier to obtain the drug ivermectin, which some believe can fight COVID-19.

House Bill 1022 would allow pharmacists to dispense the drug by means of standing orders.

Food and Drug Administration officials said there is no data that shows the anti-parasitic drug is effective against COVID-19.

Multiple medical experts testified against the bill on Tuesday.

“I’d like to believe the standard of care here in New Hampshire is that a patient could get a prescription for ivermectin, off-label, as long as that patient ideally gets put into some clinical trial, whether it’s a drug company or whether it’s an academic institution like Dartmouth,” said Dr. Nick Perencevich, a retired general surgeon.

The bill is in committee but is expected to go to a House vote in the weeks ahead.