In a move stirring both praise and controversy, New Hampshire lawmakers are leading legislative efforts to legalize over-the-counter (OTC law) ivermectin, allowing access without a prescription. This initiative, spearheaded by Senate Bill 119, comes amid ongoing national debates about ivermectin's use, especially its off-label promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporters argue it's a matter of medical freedom and cost savings, while opponents cite risks and conflict with FDA and CDC guidance. Here's a deep dive into this controversial policy shift.

📜 Senate Bill 119: Breaking Down the Legislation

Senate Bill 119 (NH bill), introduced in 2025, is designed to permit licensed pharmacists in New Hampshire to dispense ivermectin without a prescription. The bill aims to make medications like Iverheal 12 mg, Ivermectin 9 mg, and ZBD Plus 12 mg legally accessible for general purchase in the state.

🔍 Key Provisions of SB 119

• Authorizes pharmacists to dispense ivermectin under a standing order without an individualized prescription.
  
  
• Mandates that patients receive an FDA-compliant information sheet outlining usage risks and benefits.
  
  
• Enables pharmacists to opt-out if dispensing ivermectin violates their professional judgment or ethical standards.
  
  
• Establishes guidelines for documentation and reporting, ensuring pharmacists maintain a record of all ivermectin transactions.
  
  

This bill is part of a broader state-level movement asserting "medical sovereignty" in the face of federal medical guidelines.

💰 Medicaid Cost-Saving Arguments

One of the central arguments made by SB 119's supporters revolves around healthcare economics, particularly potential Medicaid cost savings.

📉 Lower Drug Costs, Fewer Claims

Proponents argue that legal ivermectin over-the-counter could reduce the frequency of costly doctor visits and hospitalizations by providing early treatment options, especially in underserved or rural areas.

• Senator Kevin Avard, a leading advocate, stated:
  "If a $2 pill prevents a $2,000 ER visit, we should be open to that conversation."
  
  

💊 Ivermectin as a Proactive Option

While not officially approved for COVID-19 treatment by the FDA, some legislators cite anecdotal success stories and small-scale studies suggesting ivermectin may play a role in preventing severe illness, leading to fewer Medicaid claims.

Opponents, however, counter that promoting ivermectin for unapproved uses may increase state liability and health risks, potentially increasing long-term Medicaid expenditures due to complications or misuse.

🧪 Pharmacy and Prescriber Roles: Shifting Medical Norms

Under the proposed law, pharmacists become gatekeepers of access to ivermectin, significantly altering their traditional role.

🧑‍⚕️ Standing Orders and Autonomy

Pharmacists would be empowered to:

• Dispense ivermectin without direct physician involvement.
  
  
• Provide counseling on dosage, interactions, and side effects.
  
  
• Refuse to dispense based on professional judgment.
  
  

This model mirrors similar practices for naloxone and birth control, where pharmacists operate under statewide standing orders.

⚖️ Balancing Access and Responsibility

The bill seeks to find a middle ground between empowering pharmacists and ensuring public safety:

• Training requirements are likely to be implemented.
  
  
• Pharmacy boards would oversee compliance and disciplinary actions.
  
  

Critics worry that pharmacy access legislation USA-wide could lead to inconsistent dosing, improper self-medication, and undermine physician oversight.

📣 Public Support and Opposition: Voices Across New Hampshire

Public sentiment on the bill is deeply divided, reflecting national tensions over medical freedom and public health policy.

✅ Supporters Speak Out

Many residents and advocacy groups rally around the medical freedom argument, claiming:

• Individuals should have autonomy to access treatments they believe are effective.
  
  
• The FDA’s slow approval process should not hinder access to time-sensitive medications.
  
  
• The state's duty is to serve its citizens, not federal bureaucracy.
  
  

Online forums and public testimonies highlight personal experiences with products like Iverheal 12 mg, which users claim helped them recover from illnesses despite federal warnings.

❌ Medical Community Pushback

On the other hand, major medical associations and public health officials oppose the bill, citing:

• Lack of conclusive evidence for ivermectin’s effectiveness against viral infections.
  
  
• Risks of drug resistance, side effects, and interaction with other medications.
  
  
• Concerns that OTC law may normalize unapproved uses, undermining patient safety.
  
  

The New Hampshire Medical Society warned,
"This bill risks turning pharmacies into dispensaries of misinformation under the guise of accessibility."

⚠️ FDA & CDC Guidance: A Brewing Federal-State Clash

Federal agencies, particularly the FDA and CDC, have long advised against ivermectin use for COVID-19 or other off-label purposes without clinical trials proving its efficacy.

🛑 Federal Position

• The FDA’s stance:
  “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.”
  — a viral tweet from 2021, reflecting the agency’s strong opposition.
  
  
• CDC warns that misuse of ivermectin has led to spikes in poison control calls and adverse reactions nationwide.
  
  

⚖️ State vs Federal Regulation

New Hampshire's SB 119, therefore, sets up a potential legal and regulatory conflict:

• States have the right to regulate pharmacy practices within their borders.
  
  
• However, federal agencies oversee drug approvals and warnings, meaning pharmacies may operate in legal gray zones.
  
  

If passed, the New Hampshire ivermectin law 2025 could invite lawsuits or federal preemption challenges, especially if misuse results in widespread harm.

🌐 Where to Buy: Capsule1 Pharmacy Online Access

Supporters of the bill argue that expanded access to quality ivermectin also means safer purchasing options, avoiding counterfeit or unregulated imports.

Currently, individuals in New Hampshire can safely and legally purchase ivermectin products like Iverheal 12 mg, Ivermectin 9 mg, and ZBD Plus 12 mg through Capsule1 Pharmacy, a reputable online pharmacy that complies with state and federal safety standards.

💡 Capsule1 Pharmacy is the only recommended online source for legitimate, lab-tested ivermectin products for personal use in New Hampshire.

🔮 What’s Next? The Road Ahead for SB 119

As of mid-2025, SB 119 has passed New Hampshire’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is heading toward a full Senate vote. The bill’s future depends on:

• Lobbying by pharmacy boards and health organizations
  
  
• Public mobilization, petitions, and hearings
  
  
• Governor’s stance on medical freedom vs. federal compliance
  
  

If successful, New Hampshire may become the first U.S. state to legalize OTC ivermectin access, setting a precedent that could ripple across the country.

🧭 Conclusion: A Tipping Point in Health Autonomy?

The debate surrounding SB 119 isn’t just about a single medication—it’s a symbol of the broader struggle between state independence, federal oversight, and individual autonomy in healthcare. As New Hampshire boldly navigates uncharted territory, other states watch closely. Whether the move leads to greater freedom or greater risk, one thing is clear:

The battle over ivermectin is far from over, and New Hampshire is at its frontline.