An oncologist weighs in on ivermectin for cancer
Oncologists are warning against the use of ivermectin for cancer treatment, noting a lack of scientific evidence despite rising prescriptions. The trend follows viral social media claims, prompting doctors to emphasize the potential dangers of off-label use.
Why it matters
The spread of medical misinformation via social media can lead patients to abandon proven treatments in favor of unverified, potentially harmful alternatives.
It's a controversial drug that was once touted as a cure for COVID-19 despite no evidence to show it actually worked.
Now, prescriptions for ivermectin are soaring — this time for cancer.
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Some doctors say the hype is outpacing the science, and many worry about the impact it could have on cancer patients.
The buzz started after actor Mel Gibson went on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and said that his friends with cancer took ivermectin and fenbendazole.
“I have three friends. All three of them had stage four cancer. All three of them don't have cancer right now at all,” Gibson said.
The episode went viral with more than 13 million views on YouTube, and since then, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows prescriptions for ivermectin have more than doubled among cancer patients.
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