Dewormer and scabies drugs being sold as cancer treatments, BBC investigation finds
A BBC investigation has uncovered that animal dewormers and scabies medications are being marketed as unproven cancer treatments. Experts warn that these products lack clinical evidence and may pose significant health risks to vulnerable patients by delaying conventional medical care.
Why it matters
The promotion of unverified medical treatments on social media and e-commerce platforms poses a direct threat to public health and patient safety.
Figure caption, Stairlift salesman Jason Sarver supplied the BBC with fenbendazole and ivermectin tablets for £100
Animal dewormer and a drug used to treat scabies are being sold and promoted as unproven cancer treatments, a BBC investigation has found.
Following a tip off, an undercover journalist was able to buy fenbendazole and ivermectin from a stairlift salesman in south Wales and also found them for sale on Amazon.
Macmillan Cancer Support said it was concerned by the findings and that a growing number of people were asking about the medicines, despite "no clinical evidence" that they work.
Amazon removed the products after we contacted them, and said it had "proactive measures in place" to stop prohibited products being listed by third-party sellers.
Senior doctors are worried vulnerable patients could be put at risk by taking the medicines, as they say it could harm or delay conventional treatment.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in