Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic used to treat several types of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats and horses. It has also been shown to have anticancer effects in laboratory models. The molecule blocks the ability of the worms to produce energy which ultimately starves and kills them. It is available in capsule, liquid, granule and chew form. It is commonly prescribed to control a wide range of parasites including hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, the tapeworm genus Taenia (but not effective against Dipylidium caninum, a common dog tapeworm), large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms and giardia. It can be mixed into your pet’s food to reduce stomach upset.
A patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer received information on fenbendazole via social media sites and self-administered this drug to try to shrink tumors. This case highlights the need for physicians to enquire about patients’ use of social media and internet resources to obtain medical information and encourage them to carefully select and filter such content. It is particularly important for physicians to discuss such issues with their patients who are taking dietary supplements and herbs, many of which have not been proven safe or efficacious in clinical use. fenbendazole capsules