Question 1

Is ivermectin available over the counter in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Not truly OTC — but close. Under SB 2188, licensed Tennessee pharmacists can dispense ivermectin under a CPPA (Collaborative Pharmacy Practice Agreement) without a patient-specific physician prescription. This requires a pharmacist consultation but no doctor visit. Most pharmacies that participate in this program complete the process in a single visit.

Question 2

What is the correct dose of ivermectin for humans?

Accepted Answer

For FDA-approved uses, ivermectin is dosed by body weight. For strongyloidiasis (intestinal roundworm): 200 mcg/kg as a single oral dose. For onchocerciasis (river blindness): 150 mcg/kg as a single oral dose, repeated every 6–12 months. These are standard clinical doses. Do not extrapolate dosing from veterinary guides. A pharmacist will calculate your appropriate dose based on your weight.

Question 3

Is veterinary ivermectin safe for humans?

Accepted Answer

No. Veterinary formulations (horse paste, cattle injectable, Ivomec) are not approved or regulated for human use. Concentrations vary widely, excipients are not tested for human safety, and there is no quality control for human consumption. Using veterinary ivermectin is dangerous and not legally sanctioned in Tennessee or any other state.

Question 4

Does ivermectin treat COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The FDA has not approved ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment or prevention. Multiple randomized controlled trials — including the large TOGETHER trial (2021, NEJM) and the ACTIV-6 trial (2022) — found no significant benefit of ivermectin in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This site does not make COVID-19 claims, and Tennessee's SB 2188 does not address COVID-19 specifically. Physicians may prescribe ivermectin off-label for any indication, but the evidence for COVID-19 does not currently support routine use.

Question 5

What is compounded ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

Compounded ivermectin is made by a licensed compounding pharmacy at a specific dose ordered by a pharmacist or physician. Commercial tablets come in 3mg and 6mg strengths. Compounded capsules can be made at doses like 9mg, 12mg, or 18mg for weight-based dosing without requiring patients to split tablets. Compounded ivermectin requires a pharmacist authorization (CPPA) or physician prescription — it is not available OTC.

Question 6

How much does ivermectin cost in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A short-course prescription of commercial ivermectin tablets (sufficient for a single-dose treatment) typically costs $50–85 at a Tennessee pharmacy. Compounded ivermectin capsules may run slightly higher depending on dose and quantity. There are no significant geographic price differences within Tennessee.

Question 7

Can I get ivermectin shipped to Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have a valid prescription or pharmacist authorization. Some licensed Tennessee compounding pharmacies offer mail-order fulfillment. You cannot legally order ivermectin from an international pharmacy or online source without a valid prescription — doing so would constitute importing a prescription drug without authorization.

Question 8

What are the side effects of ivermectin?

Accepted Answer

At therapeutic doses for approved uses, ivermectin is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, pruritus (itching), and in some cases the Mazzotti reaction (a transient inflammatory response when treating onchocerciasis, caused by dying parasites rather than the drug itself). Serious adverse effects are rare at standard doses. Neurological toxicity has been reported in cases of overdose or in patients with certain rare genetic mutations affecting drug transport.

Question 9

Is ivermectin safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

No. Ivermectin is not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects at doses used in human therapy. The Mectizan Donation Program and WHO guidelines specifically exclude pregnant women from ivermectin treatment for mass drug administration programs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, do not take ivermectin without explicit physician guidance.

Question 10

Which Tennessee pharmacies participate in the CPPA ivermectin program?

Accepted Answer

Independent compounding pharmacies are most likely to participate. Small independent retail pharmacies may also participate. National chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart pharmacy) generally have not implemented CPPA programs for ivermectin. Use our pharmacy finder or call local compounding pharmacies in your city to confirm participation before visiting.

Tennessee Ivermectin FAQ

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