If you’ve been deep in the alternative health rabbit hole, you may have heard whispers about using anti-parasitic drugs like Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole as potential cancer treatments.
Yep, the same meds used to deworm your dog (and maybe you, if you've ever traveled somewhere exotic) might just be cancer’s worst nightmare.
What Are These Drugs?
Ivermectin – This antiparasitic powerhouse is widely used for treating conditions like scabies and river blindness in humans. It also had its moment in the COVID-19 spotlight.
Fenbendazole – Commonly found in pet dewormers, Fenbendazole has been quietly making waves in the cancer community thanks to anecdotal reports and some promising research.
Mebendazole – A cousin of Fenbendazole, this human-approved dewormer has shown potential in stopping tumor growth in various studies. One compelling study found that lab rats given Mebendazole didn’t develop cancer. More on that in a bit!
How Do They Work Against Cancer?
While these meds were originally designed to kill parasites, they seem to have some unexpected cancer-fighting mechanisms:
Disrupting Microtubules – These drugs interfere with cancer cells’ ability to divide, essentially stopping them in their tracks.
Starving Tumors – Some research suggests they may cut off tumors’ glucose supply, making it harder for them to thrive.
Boosting the Immune System – There’s evidence that these drugs help activate immune responses that can take down cancer cells.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells – The root of cancer’s recurrence may be these sneaky stem cells, and some studies suggest that these medications go after them.
Who Might Consider Using Them?
These alternative treatments aren’t mainstream (yet), but some people exploring unconventional cancer therapies have taken an interest in them. You might want to research these further if you:
Are battling cancer and looking for adjunct therapies
Have exhausted conventional treatments and want to explore alternative options
Are interested in preventative measures based on emerging research
As always, talk to a knowledgeable healthcare provider before making any decisions, as experimentation isn’t for the faint of heart!
The Studies That Have Everyone Talking
A pivotal study conducted by researchers in 2015, rats that were given Mebendazole did not develop cancer, despite being exposed to carcinogens. The researchers hypothesized that Mebendazole might exert its anticancer effects by disrupting microtubule formation, which is crucial for cancer cell division.
The study indicated that Mebendazole was effective in stopping the formation of tumors and could be a valuable adjunct in cancer therapy, particularly in combination with other treatments. Although this research was conducted in rats, it offers hope for the application of Mebendazole in cancer treatment for humans.
Additionally, other studies have explored Fenbendazole, a similar drug, which also shows promise in preclinical models. The mechanism behind these drugs lies in their ability to interfere with the cell division process, disrupting cancer cell proliferation.
Risks & Side Effects
No therapy is without risks, and these drugs are no exception. Some potential side effects include:
Liver toxicity (with long-term use)
Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain)
Allergic reactions (rare but possible)
Drug interactions (especially if taken with other medications)
Where to Find These Treatments
Prescription – Ivermectin and Mebendazole are human-approved drugs and are available by prescription.
Online Pharmacies –many online shops offer these drugs, but be wary of counterfeit products.
Compounding Pharmacies- can prepare customized medications for your needs with a valid prescription.
Veterinary Supply Stores – If you go this route, be extra careful about dosing.
How Are They Administered?
Dosages and protocols vary, but common methods include:
Oral tablets or capsules – The most common form for human consumption.
Liquid suspensions – Sometimes used for pets, but some humans opt for this method too.
Combination with Supplements – Many people stack these meds with turmeric, vitamin E, and CBD oil to enhance efficacy.
If you’re interested in pursuing these treatments, it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider who is familiar with integrative oncology and can guide you in exploring safe and evidence-based therapies.
That’s a Wrap
While research into the use of Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole, for cancer treatment is still in its early stages, the preliminary results are promising.
The idea of repurposing existing drugs, that have few side effects, for cancer therapy offers an exciting avenue for the future.
Have you or someone you know tried Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, or Mebendazole as an alternative cancer treatment?
Give us all the details in the comments!
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