Cancer patients are choosing ivermectin over chemo, and doctors are concerned

(NEXSTAR) – Ivermectin, the anti-parasitic medication most commonly used as a dewormer in animals, is back in the limelight. This time it has nothing to do with COVID-19. More patients are seeking out the drug in hopes it will help fight their cancer.

A study analyzing electronic medical records from 68 million patients found ivermectin prescriptions for cancer patients more than doubled from January 2025 to July 2025.

Relative interest in ivermectin was highest in cancer patients who were white, male and in the South.

The study attributes the sudden rise in demand, at least in part, to a viral interview on Joe Rogan’s mega-popular podcast that was viewed at least 60 million times. In the January 2025 interview, actor Mel Gibson claimed a combination of ivermectin and benzimidazole (a compound found in anti-parasitics as well as agricultural chemicals) cured multiple cases of cancer in his friends.

Other celebrities have since touted the experimental treatment. Ron Duguay, a former NHL player who is currently dating former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, told........

© The Hill