Repurposed Medications in Oncology Care

Drug repurposing refers to the study of existing medications for uses beyond their original indication. In oncology, this includes drugs like mebendazole and ivermectin, both antiparasitic medications that have appeared in published research exploring potential applications in cancer care. Neither has been approved by the FDA for any oncology indication, and any use in this context is considered off-label. Pharmacy Solutions does not recommend or prescribe any medication. When a healthcare provider issues a prescription, Pharmacy Solutions can prepare medications such as mebendazole and ivermectin in customized strengths or formulations according to the provider’s specifications. The pharmacy holds PCAB accreditation in both sterile and non-sterile compounding and is USP <800> compliant for the handling of hazardous drugs. If you are interested in exploring repurposed medications, the first step is a conversation with your healthcare provider.

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What does "repurposed medication" mean?

A repurposed medication is an existing drug, originally approved for one condition, that is being studied or used for a different condition. In oncology, this refers to medications originally developed for non-cancer indications that have appeared in published research exploring potential applications in cancer care. Use of these medications for oncology is considered off-label.

Are repurposed medications FDA-approved for cancer?

No. The medications discussed on this page, including mebendazole and ivermectin, are FDA-approved for their original indications but have not been approved by the FDA for any oncology indication. Any use in oncology is off-label and at the discretion of the prescribing provider.

What is off-label prescribing?

Off-label prescribing occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes an FDA-approved medication for a use other than its approved indication. This is legal and common in medical practice. The FDA does not regulate how providers prescribe approved medications. Providers may prescribe off-label based on their clinical judgment and review of available research.[2]

Does Pharmacy Solutions recommend repurposed medications?

No. Pharmacy Solutions does not recommend, promote or prescribe any medication. The pharmacy prepares compounded medications only when a licensed healthcare provider has issued a prescription. All decisions about whether a medication is appropriate for a patient are made by the prescribing provider.

Can I get mebendazole or ivermectin from Pharmacy Solutions?

Pharmacy Solutions can compound mebendazole, ivermectin and other medications when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. A valid prescription is required. The pharmacy cannot dispense these medications without a prescription.

How do I find a provider who prescribes repurposed medications?

If you are interested in exploring repurposed medications as part of your oncology care, start by discussing this with your current healthcare team. If you need assistance connecting with a provider familiar with compounded medications, you may click Ask a Pharmacist or contact Pharmacy Solutions directly.

What quality standards does Pharmacy Solutions follow?

Pharmacy Solutions is PCAB accredited in both sterile and non-sterile compounding, is USP <800> compliant for the handling of hazardous drugs, sources all ingredients from FDA-registered facilities and tests all finished products through an independent third-party lab.

References

[1] Pushpakom S, Iorio F, Eyers PA, et al. Drug repurposing: progress, challenges and recommendations. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 2019;18(1):41-58. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2018.168
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Understanding Unapproved Use of Approved Drugs “Off Label.” FDA.gov. https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/understanding-unapproved-use-approved-drugs-label
[3] Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). https://www.achc.org/pcab/
[4] Guerini AE, Triggiani L, Maddalo M, et al. Mebendazole as a Candidate for Drug Repurposing in Oncology: An Extensive Review of Current Literature. Cancers. 2019;11(9):1284. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/11/9/1284
[5] Pantziarka P, Bouche G, Meheus L, Sukhatme V, Sukhatme VP. Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO)—mebendazole as an anti-cancer agent. Ecancermedicalscience. 2014;8:443. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4096024/
[6] Mansoori S, Fryknäs M, Alvfors C, et al. A phase 2a clinical study on the safety and efficacy of individualized dosed mebendazole in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Scientific Reports. 2021;11:8981. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-88433-y
[7] Juarez M, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Dueñas-Gonzalez A. The multitargeted drug ivermectin: from an antiparasitic agent to a repositioned cancer drug. American Journal of Cancer Research. 2018;8(2):317-331. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5835698/
[8] Bertolini F, Sukhatme VP, Bouche G. Drug repurposing in oncology—patient and health systems opportunities. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology. 2015;12(12):732-742. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrclinonc.2015.169

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