Hungary’s Chief Medical Officer has warned that some people are using veterinary deworming medicines containing ivermectin or fenbendazole to treat cancer, stressing that these products are not approved for human use, have no scientifically proven anti-cancer effect, and may seriously endanger patients’ health and chances of recovery.
The statement, issued by Chief Medical Officer Beatrix Oroszi on Wednesday, was published to protect cancer patients following the spread of irresponsible claims on social media and in the press promoting veterinary antiparasitic medicines as treatments for human cancers.
The warning comes after fitness entrepreneur Norbert Schobert revealed in an interview on the Jeszenszky-kaland YouTube channel that he had been supplementing the cancer treatment of his wife, Réka Rubint, with a deworming medicine intended for dogs and cats. Schobert said he purchased the veterinary product from an animal pharmacy and administered it to his wife.
No scientific evidence supports cancer treatment claims
Oroszi acknowledged that cancer patients and their families are often in an especially vulnerable position and naturally wish to explore every possible treatment option. However, she stressed that healthcare decisions should be based solely on credible, scientifically verified evidence, rather than unsubstantiated claims circulating online.
According to the Chief Medical Officer, there are currently no clinical trial results demonstrating that ivermectin or fenbendazole can be used safely or effectively to treat cancer. As a result, neither substance is included among the anti-cancer therapies recommended by Hungarian or international oncology guidelines.
She also emphasised that veterinary medicines are not authorised for human use and may pose serious health risks if taken by people.
Delaying proven treatment may reduce survival chances
The statement further warned that postponing or interrupting evidence-based cancer treatment in favour of unproven alternatives could significantly reduce a patient’s chances of recovery. Oroszi also cautioned against relying on personal testimonials and individual recovery stories shared on social media, noting that such accounts do not constitute scientific evidence.
“The effectiveness and safety of any medicine or treatment can only be established through properly designed clinical trials,” she said.
Patients urged to consult their doctors
The Chief Medical Officer urged cancer patients and their relatives to consult their treating physician before taking any new product or trying any alternative therapy. She noted that the treating doctor is familiar with the patient’s medical condition, ongoing treatment and potential risks, and is therefore the only person able to provide responsible, personalised medical advice.
Oroszi added that reliable health information should come from healthcare professionals, competent authorities and recognised professional organisations, all of which base their recommendations on scientific evidence, clinical guidelines and continuously evaluated medical experience.
Warning to media and online influencers
The Chief Medical Officer also called on the media, public figures and online content creators to exercise particular responsibility when discussing health-related topics. She warned that scientifically unsupported claims reaching a wide audience could influence patients’ decisions, create false hope and ultimately jeopardise safe patient care.
Oroszi added that Hungary’s health authorities will continue to closely monitor health-related misinformation and will use all available professional and legal means to protect patients.
“The safety of cancer patients is a shared responsibility. Our primary goal is to ensure that every patient receives treatments and information whose effectiveness and safety are supported by scientific evidence,” the Chief Medical Officer said.
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