Prescriptions for ivermectin and fenbendazole, unproven cancer treatments, more than doubled in early 2025 following actor Mel Gibson's endorsement on Joe Rogan's podcast, according to a new study.
Study Details
Research conducted by Virginia Tech, UCLA, and the University of Michigan revealed that cancer patients' prescriptions for these drugs were 2.5 times higher in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The spike was particularly pronounced among white patients, men, and those in the southern United States—demographics that align closely with Rogan's audience.
Podcast Endorsement
In January 2025, Mel Gibson appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast and claimed that ivermectin and fenbendazole had cured friends with stage-four cancer. This endorsement led to a dramatic increase in prescriptions, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy against cancer.
Misinformation Concerns
The study underscores the growing challenge of medical misinformation spread by influencers. It notes that half of U.S. adults under 50 obtain health information from sources that often lack scientific or medical backgrounds. Researchers warn that such endorsements can lead to harmful health decisions, as patients may forgo proven treatments in favor of unproven alternatives.
Ivermectin, typically used to treat parasitic infections, and fenbendazole, a veterinary dewormer, have not been approved by the FDA for cancer treatment. Health experts urge patients to consult with their doctors before considering such therapies.
