Tennessee pharmacies sell potent ivermectin, led by anti-vaccine doctor who’s taken ‘bucketloads’

Tennessee pharmacies began selling ivermectin without a prescription for adults on July 1, 2020, following a state law that allowed pharmacies to dispense the antiparasitic drug under a blanket prescription. This initiative, championed by an anti-vaccine doctor, has led to widespread availability of the drug, often in highly concentrated forms, with little oversight from health authorities. Highway billboards and numerous pharmacies across the state now advertise ivermectin as readily available, with some offering pills at 10 to 20 times the standard potency. The law, enacted four years ago, permits pharmacies to provide ivermectin to individuals without requiring a prior consultation with a physician. This regulatory environment has facilitated the sale of the drug through various retail outlets, including roadside shops and small-town strip malls.