After Mel Gibson’s Ivermectin Claims, Cancer Patients Rush To Stock Up; Experts Warn

Scientists

have raised an alarm over a dramatic rise in prescriptions for ivermectin and another antiparasitic drug among cancer patients after Hollywood actor Mel Gibson promoted an unproven treatment during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s massively popular podcast. A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has highlighted the growing influence of celebrity health claims online - and the potential dangers when people with serious illnesses turn toward unverified treatments instead of evidence-based medical care.Also read: What Is a ‘Generation Three’ Hantavirus Case? Fatal Flight Sparks Fears the Deadly Virus May Have Mutated

Cancer patients saw a 2.5-fold rise in prescriptions

The study examined electronic medical records from more than 68 million patients across 67 health systems in the United States. Researchers tracked prescribing patterns for ivermectin and benzimidazole drugs before and after Gibson’s January 2025 podcast appearance. According to the data, prescriptions for the drugs doubled among the general population compared with the previous year. Also, scientists say among cancer patients, prescribing rates surged by 2.5 times, with white patients, men, and those living in the southern US being most likely to receive prescriptions. The spike occurred shortly after Gibson claimed that ivermectin combined with benzimidazole had cured cancer in several of his friends. The podcast episode reportedly gained over 60 million views within one month.

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Is ivermectin proven to treat cancer?

Despite growing online discussion, experts stress there is currently no clinical evidence proving ivermectin or benzimidazole can safely or effectively treat cancer in humans. Some laboratory and animal studies have shown these drugs may display anti-cancer activity under experimental conditions. However, scientists warn that the doses required to produce even minor effects would likely be considered toxic in people. Doctors are also concerned that the drugs could interfere with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other cancer medications. Experts emphasise that cancer patients should never stop or replace medically approved treatment plans with unverified alternatives promoted online.

Why are doctors and researchers concerned?

Health researchers say the study demonstrates how celebrity influence can shape medical decisions, especially among vulnerable patients searching for hope. Dr. Michelle Rockwell, a health services researcher at Virginia Tech, warned that clinicians are increasingly facing pressure from patients requesting medications they saw promoted online. "Clinicians talk about how difficult it is when the patient demands or asks for a medication that they really feel passionately might help," she told the University of Minnesota in an interview. "And that's where I think these celebrity influencers really play a big role." Social scientists also say mistrust of the healthcare system, rising medical costs, and frustration with insurance barriers make some patients more vulnerable to misinformation and alternative treatment claims. Researchers could not determine whether patients used ivermectin alongside conventional cancer treatment or instead of it, a distinction experts say carries major public health implications.

Ivermectin and the COVID-19 controversy

This is not the first time ivermectin has generated controversy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the drug became widely discussed online as a potential treatment despite multiple clinical trials finding it did not significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalisation, or recovery time. Health authorities also linked misinformation surrounding ivermectin to increased overdose calls to poison control centres in 2021.

Proven and successful cancer treatments

Doctors emphasise that proven cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery remain the safest and most scientifically validated options for patients. These treatments undergo years of clinical trials to confirm their safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes before being approved for public use. Modern cancer care is also increasingly personalised, with doctors tailoring therapies based on tumour type, genetics, and stage of disease. Experts warn that delaying or replacing evidence-based treatment with unproven alternatives can reduce survival chances and allow cancer to progress. Patients are strongly encouraged to discuss any complementary therapies with qualified oncologists before use.