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Ivermectin’s Enduring Appeal: From Dewormer to ‘Medical Freedom’ Symbol
Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug, is experiencing renewed interest, particularly among conservative circles, fueled by online figures and right-wing influencers despite consistent warnings from federal health officials regarding its limited medical benefits for conditions like COVID-19. This resurgence is partly driven by figures like Joe Grinsteiner, a social media personality who promotes the drug for unverified uses.
Social Media Personality Promotes Unproven Ivermectin Uses
Joe Grinsteiner, a vocal online proponent of ivermectin, recently featured in a Facebook video demonstrating the consumption of veterinary-grade ivermectin paste – a formulation intended for deworming livestock, such as horses.
In the video, dated February 25th, Mr. Grinsteiner squeezed the tube, licked a portion of the paste, and swallowed it. This act is part of a series of ivermectin-related posts that have garnered millions of views on Facebook this year.
“Yum,” Mr. Grinsteiner remarked in the video, adding, “Actually, that tastes like dead cancer.”
Ivermectin gained significant traction during the pandemic amidst unfounded assertions that it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19. Despite ongoing cautions from health authorities about its restricted uses, ivermectin‘s popularity is again on the rise, especially among American conservatives influenced by right-wing promoters.
Unsubstantiated Claims and Personal Anecdotes
Mr. Grinsteiner, aged 54, a supporter of former President Trump and a country musician residing in rural Michigan, has made claims in his videos about ivermectin curing his skin cancer and his wife’s cervical cancer. In a previous video, he recounted a story of a nonverbal autistic child supposedly gaining speech after ivermectin use. In a recent interview, Mr. Grinsteiner stated he ingests a daily dose of ivermectin to maintain his overall health.
However, health experts emphasize that there is no scientific basis for the use of ivermectin in treating cancer or autism. Mr. Grinsteiner, nonetheless, believes that established medical and political systems are deliberately suppressing information about the purported healing properties of this inexpensive medication.
“These guys are absolutely money driven,” he asserted in a video, clarifying, “And when I say ‘these guys,’ I’m talking about all those politicians in Washington taking money from big pharma.”
Ivermectin as a Symbol of Resistance and Medical Freedom
Ivermectin has evolved into a symbolic representation of resistance, akin to a ‘MAGA hat,’ for some within the movement. It signifies defiance against what they perceive as an elitist and corrupt network of politicians, scientists, and medical professionals. Many experts caution that misinformation surrounding ivermectin could lead to dangerous overdoses or deter individuals from seeking proven treatments for COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Despite these concerns, conservative lawmakers in numerous states are advocating for legislation to permit the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin, often invoking the principle of medical freedom.
Legislative Efforts to Expand Ivermectin Access
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently enacted a law allowing ivermectin to be sold without a prescription. Similar legislative measures are under consideration in at least six other states, including Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Tennessee had previously passed legislation in 2022 to facilitate easier access to ivermectin through pharmacists.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed health secretary under President Trump, has previously expressed support for ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment. It remains uncertain whether he will incorporate the drug into his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Mr. Kennedy did not provide comments when asked for this article.
In 2021, Mr. Kennedy submitted a petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the de-authorization of COVID-19 vaccines while suggesting ivermectin as a safer alternative.
FDA’s Stance and Health Concerns
The FDA maintains its position that ivermectin is not authorized or approved for COVID-19 treatment. The agency states on its website, “currently available clinical trial data do not demonstrate that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19 in humans.”
Dr. Robert Califf, a former FDA Commissioner, voiced concerns about individuals choosing ivermectin over established treatments like COVID-19 vaccination or cancer chemotherapy. He also highlighted the risks of overdose, especially with veterinary formulations, as high doses can be toxic and induce central nervous system issues, including blurred vision, confusion, and seizures. The FDA has issued warnings that excessive doses can lead to coma or even death.
Promotion in Right-Wing Media and Online Sales
Right-wing media channels frequently feature advertisements for ivermectin, sometimes promoting it as essential for survivalist preparedness. The website Gateway Pundit recently featured a sponsored article from an online vendor offering prescription ivermectin for “stockpiling,” accompanied by images of a post-apocalyptic scenario.
Two prominent figures within the MAGA movement, former Representative Matt Gaetz and Dan Bongino, have endorsed All Family Pharmacy, an online platform that dispenses ivermectin with “a prescription from our licensed doctors.”
“No more fighting the system for the treatments you want,” Mr. Bongino stated on his podcast, shortly before his transition to the F.B.I., urging listeners to “Stock up now before the next crisis hits.”
Historical Context of Unorthodox Treatments
Lewis A. Grossman, a law professor and historian at American University, specializing in “therapeutic choice,” notes that the ongoing interest in ivermectin is not novel. He points out that throughout American history, numerous treatments have gained popularity despite lacking endorsement from the medical establishment.
He cited laetrile, an unproven cancer treatment derived from apricot pits, as an example from the 1970s, which gained popularity. Even actor Steve McQueen reportedly used laetrile during his unsuccessful fight against cancer.
During laetrile’s peak popularity, proponents lauded its affordability and denounced a perceived conspiracy by big pharma and government. Conversely, many experts dismissed it as quackery. The FDA never approved laetrile for cancer or any other therapeutic purpose, according to Mr. Grossman, who is authoring a book about laetrile titled “Seeds of Rebellion.”
“The ivermectin narrative aligns with a long-standing American tradition of embracing unorthodox therapies, partly fueled by suspicions that drug companies and physicians suppress truths about affordable treatments for profit motives,” Mr. Grossman explained.
Personal Experiences and the Rise of Online Communities
Mr. Grinsteiner mentioned his familiarity with ivermectin due to its use on his farm animals. Skeptical of COVID-19 vaccines, he opted for preventive ivermectin use during the pandemic, along with his wife.
He claims that six months after his wife started regular ivermectin intake, she became pregnant, and subsequent medical examinations revealed her previously diagnosed cervical cancer had disappeared. He also stated that topical application of ivermectin on a cancerous spot on his nose led to its disappearance, and a doctor later confirmed the absence of cancer.
Mr. Grinsteiner’s initial Facebook video detailing his ivermectin experiences in January went viral rapidly. “It was like, maybe a minute video, and I went to bed,” he recounted. “And I woke up and my phone was just melting.”
Content Moderation and Online Forums
Facebook briefly suspended Mr. Grinsteiner’s account before reinstating it. The platform appends links to a “context” page from Science Feedback, a fact-checking organization, to some of his videos.
Science Feedback’s page acknowledges “promising anticancer effects” of ivermectin and mebendazole in laboratory and animal studies. However, it clarifies that these preclinical findings cannot reliably predict efficacy in humans, and many drugs effective in cells and animals fail in human clinical trials.
Mr. Grinsteiner, dissatisfied with Facebook’s actions, launched an independent website, frequently mentioned in his Facebook posts. He states that the site is not for providing advice but for users to share experiences and compare notes regarding ivermectin.
Visitors to his website have discussed ivermectin as a potential treatment for conditions like neuropathy, renal failure, and lupus. Mr. Grinsteiner also sells a T-shirt for $15.68 with the slogan, “I wish ivermectin worked on the parasites in D.C.!”
Legislators Aim to Facilitate Access for Existing Users
Many lawmakers advocating for easier ivermectin access explain they aim to support constituents already using the drug, some of whom resort to veterinary-grade formulations due to prescription barriers.
“Constituents brought it to me; it wasn’t something I thought up on my own,” stated Arkansas State Senator Alan Clark, the Republican sponsor of the recent law.
“Mostly they’re going to the ag store” for ivermectin, Mr. Clark added. “And it would be much safer for them to use what is intended for human consumption.”
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Professor Grossman suggests that there are long-standing assumptions about states’ lack of authority to override federal regulations concerning over-the-counter availability of prescription drugs.
State Representative Wes Virdell of Texas, among lawmakers seeking to ease ivermectin access, frames his position as promoting “medical freedom.”
“I think people should be able to choose whatever route they want” for treatment, he said. “Even if they’re wrong, right?”
Dr. Califf, the former FDA commissioner, offers a contrasting perspective.
“All interventions have risks,” he stated. “And if you have no benefit, and you have some risk, then why on earth — you know, there’s no rational reason why someone should take the intervention.”