Ivermectin Prescriptions Soar Part 1 [Video]

Recently, prescriptions for antiparasitic drugs ivermectin and fenbendazole have soared in the United States as they are being discussed as cancer treatments.

In January 2025, Mel Gibson was a guest on the “Joe Rogan Experience” and claimed that ivermectin and fenbendazole can be used to treat cancer. He stated the drugs cured three of his friends of stage 4 cancer.

Prescriptions for the drugs more than doubled among cancer patients after the broadcast. Google searches sharply increased, and online forums were flooded with discussions.

Ivermectin Evidence

Ivermectin is widely prescribed as an antiparasitic drug for animals and humans. According to laboratory testing, it impacts several biological processes linked to cancer growth. It is prescribed to treat infections caused by parasites or worms. It was originally developed for use in animals and was a common ingredient in heartworm medicine.

The FDA approved the use of the antiparasitic as a treatment for certain parasitic infections in humans, including river blindness and threadworms. Ivermectin lotion has also been approved for humans to treat skin conditions caused by parasites and other organisms, such as head lice, rosacea, and scabies.

There are no clinical guidelines recommending the use of the antiparasitic drug for cancer treatment in humans or animals.

There are claims stating ivermectin and fenbendazole “kill” cancer cells. There have been laboratory tests conducted in petri dishes and on animals. This research is limited.

More studies need to be conducted, as it is not known if the antiparasitic drugs are safe for humans at the dosage that has been used on animals in the lab.

Dr. Markham says, “There’s a big gap between what happens under a microscope and what happens in a human being. We are many steps away from knowing about the safety or effectiveness of ivermectin in cancer care. Good science takes time because we care about patient safety.”

One study discovered it may interfere with the pathway that helps cancer cells survive. Another study showed it may help the immune system detect and destroy cancerous tumors.

Currently, no studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of ivermectin and fenbendazole in cancer patients, but there are a few early-stage trials underway.

Fenbendazole Interest

Fenbendazole is only prescribed for animals and belongs to a group of antiparasitic drugs called benzimidazoles. It is not approved for human consumption.

Laboratory studies show it interferes with cancer by disrupting cancer cells’ uptake of glucose, impairing how they manage chemical stress, and damaging their structure, preventing them from functioning properly.

In 2019, fenbendazole garnered interest when a businessman claimed the drug helped him recover from lung cancer. The story overlooked the fact that the patient also received experimental treatments and multiple drugs to treat the cancer at the same time.

Therapeutic Studies

To assume ivermectin and fenbendazole are miracle cancer treatments would be dangerous, as there is currently no scientific evidence. Future studies need to be conducted to test both antiparasitic drugs.

There are currently some human trials underway that include the antiparasitic drugs alongside other cancer treatments. This indicates scientists believe there is enough laboratory evidence to justify further study.

The diagnosis of cancer can leave people desperately searching for hope. Cancer treatments are expensive, and treatments are uncertain.

Merry Jennifer Markham, MD, FASCO, an American Society of Clinical Oncology expert, says, “More and more, my patients are asking about medications like ivermectin. I’m grateful that they’re asking me questions so we can have an informed conversation.”

Antiparasitic Drug Risks

“Ivermectin is safe if taken at the recommended dose to treat a worm infection. That doesn’t mean it’s completely safe in all situations,” says Dr. Marham.

• In large doses, the antiparasitic can cause seizures, coma, and death;
• Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; they can also worsen the side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
• It may interact with standard cancer treatments, reduce treatment effectiveness, and cause safety concerns.

Do not take ivermectin or any other drug without consulting a doctor. It could cause harm and make it difficult for a doctor to provide necessary care. It could also disqualify a patient from participating in clinical trials, thus limiting treatment options.

In treating cancer, doctors often use approved medications for an unapproved use if they believe it could help the patient. This decision is usually based on research-based clinical guidelines and an awareness of the risks and benefits.

Sources:

The Conversation: Prescriptions for ivermectin soar after Mel Gibson claims it cured friends of cancer
American Cancer Society: What to Know About Ivermectin
Cancer Health: Who Would Let Mel Gibson and Joe Rogan Treat Their Cancer With Ivermectin?

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