Ivermectin

Dear TonyCor01

Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others. My name is Joanne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the  Macmillan Support Line. 

Ivermectin is prescribed to treat worm infections in humans, however recently, there has been increased talk of using Ivermectin as a repurposed drug for anti-cancer therapy on social media.   

While there are many benefits to social media, unfortunately not all content provides reliable information and can also be dangerous. Finding reliable health information online can be difficult, but we have produced information about this to help you. 

No large-scale clinical trials exist yet, but some small randomised clinical trials have looked at Ivermectin in laboratory settings and mice. These suggest some anti-cancer properties, but further research is needed. There is concern that dosage required to have any anti-cancer effects would be toxic in humans

Ivermectin is not licensed as anti-cancer therapies and not recommended. It is therefore unlikely any consultants in the UK would be willing to prescribe them.   

You don’t mention the type of cancer you have or the specific treatment you are currently receiving. If you are struggling with your treatment we strongly advise you discuss this further with your Consultant who may be able to suggest  more suitable treatment options or clinical trial for your cancer. 

If there is anything else we can help you with please, feel free to get back in touch.

Best wishes

Joanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/ JF/DK

Dear TonyCor01

Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others. My name is Joanne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the  Macmillan Support Line. 

Ivermectin is prescribed to treat worm infections in humans, however recently, there has been increased talk of using Ivermectin as a repurposed drug for anti-cancer therapy on social media.   

While there are many benefits to social media, unfortunately not all content provides reliable information and can also be dangerous. Finding reliable health information online can be difficult, but we have produced information about this to help you. 

No large-scale clinical trials exist yet, but some small randomised clinical trials have looked at Ivermectin in laboratory settings and mice. These suggest some anti-cancer properties, but further research is needed. There is concern that dosage required to have any anti-cancer effects would be toxic in humans

Ivermectin is not licensed as anti-cancer therapies and not recommended. It is therefore unlikely any consultants in the UK would be willing to prescribe them.   

You don’t mention the type of cancer you have or the specific treatment you are currently receiving. If you are struggling with your treatment we strongly advise you discuss this further with your Consultant who may be able to suggest  more suitable treatment options or clinical trial for your cancer. 

If there is anything else we can help you with please, feel free to get back in touch.

Best wishes

Joanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/ JF/DK