Best Ivermectin Dosage for Humans with Cancer or Different Cancer Types (2025)

Introduction

This article discusses dosage considerations and key factors regarding the use of ivermectin in cancer treatment.

Commonly available information about ivermectin dosages is often inaccurate when applied to potential cancer-related uses. Many sources cite standard dosages recommended by Merck for treating parasitic infections, rather than dosages studied specifically in the context of cancer research.

The anti-parasitic dosage is not as effective for people looking for a dosage against cancer. Dosage will need to be adjusted according to cancer type and stage.

Ivermectin dosage should be based on ivermectin cancer studies. Multiple factors are considered including studies including ivermectin for cancer, anecdotal studies and case series, the aggressiveness of the cancer type and the cancer stage.

Cancer dosage estimation can be adjusted based on the time that a person has to beat cancer or its risk to the patient - this includes both the cancer type and whether the cancer has spread or metastasised.

Some cancers provide the patient with less time to beat the cancer e.g. fast growing cancer, and of course; metastasis also means that the time to beat the cancer is shorter than before metastasis.

What Is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an anti-parasite drug used to treat various parasite infections in humans, but it can also be used to treat other health conditions like river blindness, onchocerciasis, intestinal strongyloidiasis, and onchocerciasis.

Ivermectin is often recognized – 2nd to penicillin – for having the greatest impact on human health. And its discovery won the Nobel Prize in 2015. Ivermectin has an increasing list of indications due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and is included on the WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines. 

Several studies reported antiviral effects of ivermectin on RNA viruses such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, West Nile, Hendra, Newcastle, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, chikungunya, Semliki Forest, Sindbis, Avian influenza A, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and COVID 19 virus.

Ivermectin vs Conventional Cancer Treatments

Choosing conventional cancer treatments often requires a detailed analysis of their complexity, potential side effects, and cost-effectiveness—particularly when it comes to high-cost options like immunotherapy.

In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry has been criticized for promoting newer, patented drugs that may be less safe or less effective than older, off-patent alternatives.

On the other hand, using ivermectin may require less extensive analysis. It offers additional health benefits and is considered by some as a potentially valuable option for cancer patients.

Ivermectin has shown promise not only as a potential cancer treatment but also as a preventive measure. It is generally well-tolerated and can be taken over extended periods to help prevent cancer or reduce the risk of recurrence.

Compared to conventional cancer treatments—especially chemotherapy, which is known for its severe side effects—ivermectin has an extremely low side effect profile. Moreover, it is significantly more affordable than most standard cancer therapies.

Nonetheless, any treatment approach should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with individual needs and medical circumstances.

Related article: Integrative approaches for Cancer by A Midwestern Doctor and Dr Pierre Kory

Ivermectin vs Other Non-Conventional Cancer Treatments

Ivermectin is one of the top non-standard or non-conventional drug for cancer.

A close second would be fenbendazole - which also happens to be an anti-parasitic drug that works against cancer through some difference mechanisms than ivermectin - which we cover in the article here: 

Fenbendazole Joe Tippens Protocol.

Best Ivermectin Dosage for Humans with Cancer

Ivermectin for Cancer Dosage Guidelines Based on Body Weight (in Kilograms)

The table below provided shows dose recommendations based on body weight, with calculations for four different dose* levels commonly used in protocols:

• 0.5 mg/kg (low dose)

• 1 mg/kg (medium dose)

• 2 mg/kg (high dose)

• 2.5 mg/kg (very high dose)

Ivermectin: Calculation of correct dose

How to Read the Table

• First Column: Represents your body weight range in kilograms (kg).

• Columns 2 to 5: Show the corresponding dose ranges in milligrams (mg) based on your weight and the selected dose* level (mg per kg of body weight).

• For example, if you weigh between 60–68 kg and are following a 1 mg/kg dose protocol, your recommended dose* is 60–68 mg and your recommended dosage* is 60-68 mg per day.

Dosage Calculation Formula

To calculate the dosage manually:
Dosage (mg) = Body Weight (kg) × Dose Level (mg/kg)
Taken once daily unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

Dose Level Examples

• 0.5 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 0.5

• 1 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 1

• 2 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 2

• 2.5 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 2.5

Important Notes

• Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your condition.

• These guidelines are general references and should not replace professional medical advice.

• The table provides ranges to account for individual variations within each weight bracket.

*Dose vs Dosage?

Have you ever wondered about the nuanced difference between the usage of dose vs. dosage? People often use dose and dosage interchangeably, but these terms have different meanings. It’s a subtle distinction that can sometimes be overlooked, but it’s essential for accurate reporting and instruction.

Dose refers to the amount of a substance administered to an individual, usually in terms of weight or concentration. It is a single quantity of a substance that is given to achieve a desired effect. For example, in pharmacology, the dose of a medication may be expressed in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Example: The recommended dose of the drug is 10 mg/kg.

Dosage refers to the regimen or schedule of administering a substance, usually over a period of time. It is the total amount of a substance given over a period, often expressed in terms of frequency and duration. For example, in clinical trials, a medication dosage may be administered once daily for a week. Example: The recommended dosage for the medication is one tablet every six hours for a week.

Is there any study for Ivermectin and Fenbendazole for Cancer?

Yes. There is now a peer-reviewed research study where patients with cancer successfully took all three drugs Fenbendazole, Mebendazole and Ivermectin. Experts believe this combination attacks the mitochondrial support for cancer stem cells.

According to oncologist Dr William Makis:

“This paper is the FIRST peer-reviewed and Published paper in the world to propose a Cancer Treatment Protocol based on the incredible properties of IVERMECTIN, MEBENDAZOLE and FENBENDAZOLE. This was truly a labor of love.

My thanks to lead authors Ilyes Baghli and Pierrick Martinez for their incredible inspired work, FLCCC’s Dr. Paul Marik for his extensive work on repurposed drugs and every co-author who worked hard to bring this paper to life.

I hope that this paper lays the groundwork for a brand new future for Cancer Treatment”.

The Hybrid Orthomolecular Cancer Protocol: 7 therapeutic recommendations, consisting of orthomolecules, drugs, and additional therapies

1. Intravenous Vitamin C 

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers: Dose of 1.5g/kg/day, 2-3x per week (Fan, et al., 2023). Established as a non-toxic dose for cancer patients (Wang, F., et al., 2019). 

2. Oral Vitamin D 

All cancer grades: Dose of 50,000 IU/day for patients with a blood level ≤ 30ng/mL; 25,000 IU/day for levels 30-60ng/mL; and 5000 IU/day for levels 60-80ng/mL. Established as a non-toxic dose (Cannon, et al., 2016; Ghanaati, et al., 2020; McCullough, et al., 2019). 

It is necessary to reach a blood level of 80 ng/mL of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamine D (25(OH) D) (Kennel, et al., 2010; Mohr, et al., 2014; Mohr, et al., 2015). This level is non-toxic (Holick, et al., 2011). Once this level is reached it must be maintained with a reduced daily dosage of ≈ 2000 IU/day (Ekwaru, et al., 2014). The vitamin D blood concentration should be measured every two weeks for high doses and monthly for lower doses. 

3. Zinc 

All cancer grades: Dose of 1 mg/kg/day is established as a non-toxic dose for cancer patients (Hoppe, et al., 2021; Lin, et al., 2006). The reference range for serum zinc concentration is 80 to 120 μg/dL (Mashhadi, et al., 2016; Yokokawa, et al., 2020). Once this level is reached it must be maintained with a reduced daily dosage of 5mg/day (Li, et al., 2022). The zinc blood concentration should be measured monthly.

4. Ivermectin 

• Low-grade cancers: Dose of 0.5mg/kg, 3x per week (Guzzo, et al., 2002). 
• Intermediate-grade cancers: Dose of 1mg/kg, 3x per week (Guzzo, et al., 2002). 
• High-grade cancers: Dose from 1 mg/kg/day (de Castro, et al., 2020) to 2 mg/ kg/day (Guzzo, et al., 2002). 

All these doses have been established as tolerable for humans (Guzzo, et al., 2002). 

5. Benzimidazoles and DON*

• Low-grade cancers: Mebendazole: Dose of 200 mg/day (Dobrosotskaya, et al., 2011). 
• Intermediate-grade cancers: Mebendazole: Dose of 400 mg/day (Chai, et al., 2021). 
• High-grade cancers: Mebendazole dose of 1,500 mg/day (Son, et al., 2020) or Fenbendazole 1,000 mg 3x per week (Chiang, et al., 2021). 

All these doses have been established as tolerable for humans (Chai, et al., 2021; Chiang, et al., 2021; Son, et al., 2020). Benzimidazoles can be replaced or combined with DON*, administered without toxicity; intravenously or intramuscularly: 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg once daily; or orally: 0.2 to 1.1 mg/kg once daily (Lemberg, et al., 2018; Rais, et al., 2022). Benzimidazole are much easier to obtain than DON. However, for metastatic cancers, which rely heavily on glutamine (Seyfried, et al., 2020), a combination of DON and Benzimidazoles should be considered (Mukherjee, et al., 2023). 

*Note: DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine) is a glutamine-specific antagonist more potent than Benzimidazoles.

6. Dietary Interventions 

All cancer grades: Ketogenic diet (low carbohydrate-high fat diet, 900 to 1500 kcal/day) (Weber, et al., 2020). 

Ketone metabolic therapy consists of approximately 60- 80% fat, 15-25% protein and 5-10% fibrous carbohydrates. Adequate hydration and single-ingredient whole food ketogenic meals are necessary to achieve a glucose ketone index (GKI) score of 2.0 or below (Meidenbauer, et al., 2015; Seyfried, Shivane, et al., 2021). GKI should be measured 2–3 hours postprandial, twice a day if possible (Meidenbauer, et al., 2015; Seyfried, Shivane, et al., 2021). 

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers: The ketogenic diet should be coupled with a water fast for 3 to 7 consecutive days in advanced cancers (Phillips, et al., 2022; Arora, et al., 2023). The water fast should be repeated several times (≈ every 3-4 weeks) throughout the treatment (Nencioni, et al., 2018), but fasting needs to be undertaken cautiously in individuals using certain drugs and those with < 20 BMI, to prevent loss of lean body mass. 

For patients who can not fast, the FastingMimicking Diet (300 to 1,100 kcal/day of broths, soups, juices, nut bars, and herbal teas) can be used (Nencioni, et al., 2018). 

7. Additional Therapeutics 

All cancer grades: Moderate physical activity, 3x per week. Increased heart and respiratory rate for a period of 45 to 75 minutes (Bull, et al., 2020) with activities such as cycling, running, swimming, etc.

 

Intermediate- and high-grade cancers or individuals who are unable to engage in physical activity: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), 1.5 to 2.5 ATA for 45 to 60 minutes 2-3x per week (Gonzalez, et al., 2018; Poff, et al., 2015).

Ivermectin Safety and Side Effects

Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin, administered in higher and/or more frequent doses than currently approved for human use, were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study. Subjects (n = 68) were assigned to one of four panels (3:1, ivermectin/placebo): 30 or 60 mg (three times a week) or 90 or 120 mg (single dose). The 30 mg panel (range: 34 7-594 microg/kg) also received a single dose with food after a 1-week washout. Safety assessments addressed both known ivermectin CNS effects and general toxicity. The primary safety endpoint was mydriasis, accurately quantitated by pupillometry. Ivermectin was generally well tolerated, with no indication of associated CNS toxicity for doses up to 10 times the highest FDA-approved dose of 200 microg/kg. All dose regimens had a mydriatic effect similar to placebo. (Guzzo et al 2002)

Adverse experiences were similar between ivermectin and placebo and did not increase with dose. Following single doses of 30 to 120 mg, AUC and Cmax were generally dose proportional, with t(max) approximately 4 hours and t1/2 approximately 18 hours. The geometric mean AUC of 30 mg ivermectin was 2.6 times higher when administered with food. This study demonstrated that ivermectin is generally well tolerated at these higher doses and more frequent regimens. (Guzzo et al 2002)

A dose between 0.05 and 0.40 mg/kg does not cause unwanted effects and risk to human life; doses between 6.6 and 8.6 mg/kg are toxic, causing vomiting, blurred vision, mydriasis, ataxia, tremor, and coma, and finally, lethal doses are of 24 mg/kg. (Yuliana et al 2023)

According to Ivermectin's safety data sheet (Merck):

• LD50 (Monkey): > 24 mg/kg 
• Target Organs: Central nervous system 
• Symptoms: Vomiting, Dilatation of the pupil 
• Remarks: No mortality observed at this dose.

New & Improved Joe Tippens Protocol

In 2016, Joe Tippens was diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer with extensive metastatic disease. At the advice of a veterinarian friend, he took Fenbendazole together with nanocurcumin, and three months after starting these drugs his PET scan was completely clear.  (Joe Tippens Cancer Protocol). 

In recent years, the Fenbendazole Cancer Protocol has gained significant attention, fueled by reports of advanced cancer success stories. 

Below is a modified version of the Joe Tippens protocol, a synergistic combination of fenbendazole, ivermectin and nutraceuticals, as recommended by Canadian oncologist Dr. William Makis.

• Fenbendazole is commonly taken at 300 mg for six days a week, with doses increasing to up to 1 gram in cases of aggressive "turbo cancers." The original Joe Tippens protocol recommended the Panacur C brand of fenbendazole. 
• Ivermectin (24 mg, 7 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1mg/kg/day.
• Lifestyle: Eliminate sugar (BMJ 2023), adopt a whole-food diet, avoid ultra-processed foods (BMJ 2024), prioritize sleep, and manage stress.
• Bio-Available Curcumin (600mg per day, 7 days a week). 
• Vitamin D (62.5 mcg [2500 IU] seven days a week).
• Enhanced absorption Berberine (500mg per day) if you are trying to starve your cancer of sugars.

Please note that this protocol now includes the vital Vitamin D addition, with the one day off for the fenbendazole administration. This protocol represents the most comprehensive and cutting edge repurposed drug and vitamin treatment approach to date.

*Note: If you are already taking ivermectin and mebendazole, you may not need to add fenbendazole. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

• Vitamin E: Removed from the protocol (Joe Tippens, July 22, 2020) due to interactions (e.g., with blood thinners).

Source: Adapted from OneDayMD.com. https://www.onedaymd.com/2024/11/fenbendazole-and-cancer-15-minutes-with.html (November 2024).

Read More: This article is part of the Winning the War on Cancer series.

Related: Fenbendazole Dosage for Cancer in Humans

The Wellness Company's Ivermectin and Mebendazole

Ivermectin and mebendazole, both approved for human use, are now available in the U.S.

Researched and approved by Dr. Peter McCullough.

• Prescribed by licensed medical professionals
• Compounded and dispensed by a licensed US-based pharmacy
• Approved for human use

Where to buy Ivermectin and Mebendazole Formula: Available on The Wellness Company's website. Here is the link: Ivermectin and Mebendazole.