Prescriptions for the anti-parasitic medication ivermectin doubled after veteran actor Mel Gibson endorsed the dewormer as an off-label cure on a high-profile podcast, a new study mentions.
The actor appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience” in January 2025 and described 3 friends with stage 4 cancer, where he mentioned recovery after taking ivermectin and Fenbendazole, another dewormer that doctors mostly prescribe for veterinary purposes.
Ivermectin prescriptions leaped by 97% in the entire nation in just six months, following Gibson’s endorsement, compared to the previous year’s data, researchers reported on May 12, 2026, in a leading publication.
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Ivermectin, alongside other agents such as Fenbendazole, has demonstrated anticancer properties in laboratory and animal experiments; however, there are no clinical trials that demonstrate their safety and efficacy in cancer treatment in humans, researchers stated.
Ivermectin gained popularity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with influencers promoting it as a possible cure for the disease. This was not proven, and according to UCLA Health, there is no recommendation for using Ivermectin for treating COVID.
The results revealed that the rate of ivermectin prescriptions was over 2.5 times higher in people with cancer after comments from Gibson than in the previous year. In the southern region, the rate of ivermectin prescriptions increased by threefold compared with the previous year.
The increases in ivermectin prescriptions were twice as high for men as for women and nearly 2.7 times higher for young adults aged 18-64 years old than for older people aged 65 years and above.
According to the experts at Harvard Medical School, the results showed how quickly shaky medical claims can spread, particularly if promoted by someone with celebrity status.
For more interesting news and updates on the efficacy of ivermectin mediation, especially Fenbendazole, follow Medipedia. We help you stay up to date on the latest news and developments in health, medication, and treatment practices.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.