Understanding the Conversation Around Ivermectin

Ivermectin is a medication that's been used for more than 40 years to treat parasitic infections. In fact, it's listed on the World Health Organization's essential medicines list. But more recently, ivermectin has been getting attention for another reason: researchers are studying whether it might have other benefits, including roles in supporting the immune system or helping in cancer treatment.

This post is not promoting ivermectin as a treatment for any disease. We're simply reviewing the research that scientists are currently doing to better understand what this medication might do. Before making any changes to your medications or supplements, we recommend that you reach out and discuss your options with a licensed medical provider.

Why Are People Talking About Ivermectin?​

You might be wondering: if ivermectin was made for parasites, why are researchers looking at it for something like cancer?

The answer is that some older medications, especially those with a long safety record, are being re-examined by scientists to see if they might help in other ways. This process is called "drug repurposing."

In lab settings (not in people yet), ivermectin has shown some interesting effects, like:

• Helping immune cells recognize cancer cells
  
• Slowing down the growth of certain tumors in animal studies
• Reducing inflammation by calming down overactive immune signal

But all of this research is at an early stage. Most of it has been done in test tubes or in mice. That means we're a long way from knowing what it could mean for people.

What Have Researchers Discovered So Far?​

Here are a few of the early findings:

• Possible cancer effects: In laboratory studies, ivermectin has slowed the growth of cancer cells and even helped trigger cell death in certain types of tumors. These studies have been done on cells in a lab or in animals—not in humans yet.
• Immune system changes: Ivermectin may help certain immune cells do a better job of recognizing and attacking unwanted cells. That could be important for cancer and inflammation.
• Helping other medications work better: Some early research suggests that ivermectin might help overcome drug resistance in cancer, making other treatments more effective in lab models.

Again, none of this proves it works in people. But researchers are interested enough to keep studying it.

What About Human Studies?​

There have been very few clinical trials involving ivermectin for anything other than parasites. One small trial is currently underway looking at combining ivermectin with a type of cancer immunotherapy. But results from that study haven't been published yet.

Because this research is still new, doctors don't yet know:

• What dose would be safe if used differently
• Whether the same effects seen in mice happen in humans
• If it would interact with other medications

That's why experts say we need more high-quality human studies before drawing conclusions.

Is Ivermectin Safe?​

When used correctly and in approved doses for parasitic infections, ivermectin has a long record of being safe. But when people take larger doses or use it for reasons that haven't been studied well, the risk of side effects increases. Some concerns at high doses include:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Blood pressure changes
• Interactions with other medications

• Effects on the brain, especially in people taking certain drugs that slow metabolism

Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially for an off-label use.

The Bottom Line​

Ivermectin is a fascinating medication that has been used safely for decades in the right setting. Today, researchers are asking smart questions about what else it might be able to do. Early lab results are promising, but real answers will only come from human studies that are carefully designed and reviewed.

We believe in following the science, and science takes time. If you ever come across information online that sounds too good to be true, take a step back and check if the claims are backed by solid research. And when in doubt—ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Sources​

1. Jiang L, et al. "Ivermectin reverses the drug resistance in cancer cells through EGFR/ERK/Akt/NF-κB pathway." J Exp Clin Cancer Res. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31215501/
2. ​Heidary F, Gharebaghi R. "Ivermectin: a systematic review from antiviral effects to COVID-19 complementary regimen." J Antibiot. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32533071/​

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment option.