Mebendazole or Fenbendazole: Affordability and access - CancerChoices



Mebendazole, a prescription drug used in humans to treat parasites, and fenbendazole, a treatment for parasites in animals, show promising but so far very preliminary evidence of anticancer effects.

Affordability and access

Prescription required?

  • Yes, mebendazole requires a prescription in the US
  • Fenbendazole is available with a prescription from a veterinarian or over-the-counter for use in animals. 
  • We recommend you consult your oncology team before using mebendazole or fenbendazole. 

Other names

You may find mebendazole under these alternate names and brands:

  • Emverm
  • Ovex
  • Vermox

Fenbendazole is commonly called fenben.

Where to access

  • Mebendazole has limited access at pharmacies.
  • Fenbendazole is available from online retailers and veterinary suppliers.

Affordability 

  • Mebendazole may be expensive (between $2000 and $5,000 US/year).
  • Fenbendazole is generally inexpensive or moderately expensive (less than $2000 US/year), depending on the dose.

Helpful link

journals

A study investigated the spread of misinformation about using fenbendazole use in cancer treatment:

Understanding the social mechanism of cancer misinformation spread on Youtube and lessons learned: infodemiological study ›

Keep reading about mebendazole or fenbendazole

Author

Nancy Hepp, MS

Lead Researcher
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Ms. Hepp is a researcher and communicator who has been writing and editing educational content on varied health topics for more than 20 years. She serves as lead researcher and writer for CancerChoices and also served as the first program manager. Her graduate work in research and cognitive psychology, her master’s degree in instructional design, and her certificate in web design have all guided her in writing and presenting information for a wide variety of audiences and uses. Nancy’s service as faculty development coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine at Wright State University also provided experience in medical research, plus insights into medical education and medical care from the professional’s perspective.

Nancy Hepp, MS Lead Researcher

Reviewer

Andrew Jackson, ND

Research Associate
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Andrew Jackson, ND, serves as a CancerChoices research associate. As a naturopathic physician practicing in Kirkland, Washington, he teaches critical evaluation of the medical literture at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. His great appreciation of scientific inquiry and the scientific process has led him to view research with a critical eye.

Andrew Jackson, ND Research Associate

Last update: September 27, 2024

Last full literature review: February 2024

CancerChoices provides information about integrative in cancer care, a patient-centered approach combining the best of conventional care, self care and evidence-informed complementary care in an integrated plan cancer care. We review complementaryin cancer care, complementary care involves the use of therapies intended to enhance or add to standard conventional treatments; examples include supplements, mind-body approaches such as yoga or psychosocial therapy, and acupuncture therapies and self-care lifestyle actions and behaviors that may impact cancer outcomes; examples include eating health-promoting foods, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, and managing stress practices to help patients and professionals explore and integrate the best combination of conventionalthe cancer care offered by conventionally trained physicians and most hospitals; examples are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and complementary therapies and practices for each person.

Our staff have no financial conflicts of interest to declare. We receive no funds from any manufacturers or retailers gaining financial profit by promoting or discouraging therapies mentioned on this site.

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