Ivermectin: Uses, Availability & How to Get It in 2026

What Is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that has been used safely in humans for decades. Originally developed in the 1970s and approved by the FDA in 1987, it earned its discoverers a Nobel Prize in 2015 for its role in treating parasitic diseases worldwide.

Today, ivermectin remains one of the most widely prescribed antiparasitic medications globally and is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

FDA-Approved Uses of Ivermectin

The FDA has approved ivermectin for several specific conditions in humans:

• Intestinal Strongyloidiasis — A parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis, common in tropical and subtropical regions

• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) — A parasitic disease transmitted by black flies, primarily found in parts of Africa and Latin America

• Head Lice — Sklice (ivermectin 0.5% lotion) is FDA-approved for topical treatment of head lice in patients 6 months of age and older

• Rosacea — Soolantra (ivermectin 1% cream) is FDA-approved for treating inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults

Physicians may also prescribe ivermectin off-label for other conditions such as scabies, certain types of mite infestations, and other parasitic infections. Off-label prescribing is a standard and legal medical practice when a doctor determines it is medically appropriate for a patient.

Is Ivermectin Available Over the Counter?

The answer depends on where you live and what form of ivermectin you need.

Federal Status

At the federal level, oral ivermectin tablets still require a prescription. However, Sklice lotion (ivermectin 0.5% for head lice) is available over the counter nationwide without a prescription.

Texas OTC Law (Effective December 2025)

Great news for Texans — as of December 4, 2025, ivermectin tablets can be obtained without a prescription at participating pharmacies across the state. Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 25 into law, allowing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin directly to patients.

Here's how it works in Texas:

• Ask your pharmacist or click here to purchase online — Ivermectin is kept behind the counter (similar to Sudafed) and dispensed upon request

• Pharmacist consultation required — Your pharmacist will discuss proper dosing, potential side effects (such as nausea, dizziness, and skin rash), and any drug interactions

• Pharmacist discretion applies — The law says pharmacists "may" dispense ivermectin, so availability can vary by pharmacy

• Legal protections — Pharmacists who dispense ivermectin in a reasonably prudent manner are protected from civil and criminal liability

  
  

Why It's Still Hard to Find at Many Texas Pharmacies

Even though ivermectin is now legal to dispense without a prescription in Texas, many pharmacies — especially the large chain pharmacies — have chosen not to stock it or dispense it under the new law. The legislation says pharmacists "may" dispense ivermectin, not that they "shall," which means individual pharmacies and pharmacy chains can opt out entirely.

This has left many Texans frustrated, driving from pharmacy to pharmacy trying to find one that actually carries ivermectin and is willing to dispense it. If you've run into this problem, you're not alone — and that's exactly why Forest Park Pharmacy is here to help.

Other States with OTC Ivermectin Laws

Texas joins a growing list of states that have passed similar legislation. As of early 2026, Tennessee, Arkansas, Idaho, and Texas all have laws allowing over-the-counter access to ivermectin. Additional states including Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia are considering similar bills.

How to Get Ivermectin in Texas

Whether you're in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or anywhere else in the Lone Star State, Forest Park Pharmacy makes it easy to get ivermectin. We stock it, we dispense it, and we ship it directly to your door anywhere in Texas.

1. Visit Us in Fort Worth (No Prescription Needed)

Under the new Texas law, you can walk into Forest Park Pharmacy and request ivermectin directly from our pharmacists. No prescription required, no hassle, no being turned away. We keep it in stock and our pharmacists are experienced in dispensing it.

2. We Ship Anywhere in Texas

Can't make it to Fort Worth? No problem. Forest Park Pharmacy ships ivermectin to patients across the entire state of Texas. Whether you're in El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley, the Panhandle, or East Texas, we can get ivermectin to your doorstep quickly and discreetly.

Many patients come to us after being turned away by chain pharmacies in their area. Instead of driving all over town, simply give us a call or place an order, and we'll ship it right to you.

3. Get a Prescription from Your Doctor

For specific medical conditions, your healthcare provider can write a prescription for ivermectin. This is especially recommended if you have a diagnosed parasitic infection, are taking other medications that may interact with ivermectin, or have underlying health conditions.

4. Compounded Ivermectin

As a compounding pharmacy, Forest Park Pharmacy can prepare custom ivermectin formulations tailored to your specific needs. Compounded options include:

• Custom-strength oral capsules — Doses tailored to your body weight and condition

• Oral liquid suspensions — Easier to swallow for patients who have difficulty with tablets, including children and elderly patients

• Topical creams and gels — For localized skin conditions like scabies or rosacea

• Flavored formulations — Making medication more palatable, especially for pediatric patients

Compounded formulations require a prescription from your healthcare provider, but they offer the advantage of personalized dosing and delivery methods that aren't available commercially. We can ship compounded ivermectin anywhere in Texas as well.

How Much Does Ivermectin Cost?

Ivermectin is available as an affordable generic medication. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Generic ivermectin tablets (3mg, 40 count, 2 boxes): $69 at Forest Park Pharmacy over-the-counter. Only $34.50/box.

• Sklice lotion (OTC for head lice): Approximately $55 for brand and ~$30 for generic

• Compounded ivermectin: Pricing varies based on formulation, strength, and quantity — contact Forest Park Pharmacy for a personalized quote

At Forest Park Pharmacy, we offer competitive cash-pay pricing and can often beat chain pharmacy prices. Use our online price checker or call us directly for current pricing. Shipping is available for all Texas patients.

Side Effects and Safety Information

When used as directed for approved indications, ivermectin has a well-established safety profile. Common side effects may include:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Skin rash or itching

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

  
  

More serious side effects are rare but can occur, particularly at higher doses or in patients with certain underlying conditions. Always take ivermectin under the guidance of a healthcare professional or pharmacist, and inform them of all other medications you are taking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ivermectin

Can I buy ivermectin over the counter in Texas?

Yes. As of December 4, 2025, licensed pharmacists in Texas can dispense ivermectin without a prescription under House Bill 25. However, many chain pharmacies have opted not to stock or dispense it. Forest Park Pharmacy in Fort Worth keeps ivermectin in stock and dispenses it daily.

What is ivermectin used for in humans?

Ivermectin is FDA-approved for treating intestinal strongyloidiasis (a parasitic roundworm infection) and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Topical formulations are approved for head lice and rosacea. Doctors may also prescribe it off-label for scabies and other parasitic conditions.

Do I need a prescription for ivermectin?

In Texas, no — you can get it from a pharmacist without a prescription. In most other states, oral ivermectin tablets require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Sklice lotion for head lice is available OTC nationwide.

Why can't I find ivermectin at my local pharmacy?

Many chain pharmacies in Texas have chosen not to dispense ivermectin under the new OTC law, even though they legally can. The law says pharmacists "may" dispense it, not that they must. Forest Park Pharmacy is committed to stocking and dispensing ivermectin to patients who need it — and we ship anywhere in Texas.

Can you ship ivermectin to me in Texas?

Yes! Forest Park Pharmacy ships ivermectin anywhere in the state of Texas. Whether you're in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, or a small town in between, we can deliver ivermectin right to your door. Call us or visit our website to place an order.

What is compounded ivermectin?

Compounded ivermectin is a custom-prepared formulation made by a compounding pharmacy like Forest Park Pharmacy. It allows for personalized dosing, alternative delivery methods (liquids, creams, topicals), and formulations tailored to individual patient needs. A prescription is required for compounded medications.

How much does ivermectin cost without insurance?

Two boxes of 20-count 3mg ivermectin tablets (40 tablets total) at Forest Park Pharmacy is only $69. Compounded formulations vary in price depending on the specific preparation. Forest Park Pharmacy offers competitive cash-pay pricing — contact us for a quote.

Where can I get ivermectin in Fort Worth?

Forest Park Pharmacy in Fort Worth, Texas dispenses ivermectin and also offers compounded ivermectin formulations. Visit us at our Forest Park location or call to discuss your needs with one of our pharmacists.

Get Ivermectin from Forest Park Pharmacy — We Ship Across Texas

Tired of being turned away by chain pharmacies? Forest Park Pharmacy in Fort Worth has you covered. We stock ivermectin, we dispense it without a prescription under Texas law, and we ship it anywhere in Texas.

Whether you need standard ivermectin tablets or a custom compounded formulation, our knowledgeable pharmacists can answer your questions and get you the medication you need — fast. Contact Forest Park Pharmacy today or visit us in person at our Forest Park location. Patients across Texas can call us to arrange shipping directly to their door.