A Cure-All for Diabetes, Rhinitis, and More?… Now Even Human Anthelmintics Are in Short Supply

Following the Dog Dewormer 'Fenbendazole',
'Albendazole' Also Spreads in Bulk Purchases
Long-Term Use May Strain Liver Function
Concerns Over Side Effects Like Hair Loss and Indigestion

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-gi] "(After taking the anthelmintic Albendazole) my stomach pain disappeared, and the itching on my body also went away. Until now, I used to crave snacks or sweets after meals, but after taking the anthelmintic, my desire for food disappeared, and my body feels much lighter."

This is a recent review of taking the anthelmintic Albendazole posted on YouTube. There are video reviews and comments testifying that after taking a much higher dose of Albendazole than the usual dosage, people experienced therapeutic effects for diseases such as rhinitis, atopy, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. This is read in a similar context to the case where many cancer patients took the dog anthelmintic Fenbendazole after videos claiming its anticancer effects went viral.

The problem is that unlike Fenbendazole, which was limited to anticancer purposes, Albendazole is practically being treated as a "cure-all." There are also testimonies that chronic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopy have improved, as well as symptoms of diabetes and hypertension caused by dietary habits.

Because of this, cases of bulk purchases of Albendazole at pharmacies are increasing. A pharmacist at a pharmacy in Jongno-gu said, "The annual sales volume is about 100 units, but this year alone, there are people trying to buy 20 to 30 units at once, so we are out of stock," adding, "Even when we explain the side effects caused by misuse, it is not easy to stop purchases, and all the pharmacists are struggling to deal with customers looking for anthelmintics."

For the purpose of deworming, the method of taking Albendazole is to take 2 tablets at one-week intervals, but for other disease treatments, they claim that a large amount of anthelmintics must be taken continuously for a long period. However, experts warn that taking large amounts of anthelmintics continuously can strain the body. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association also sent guidance to frontline pharmacies urging safe medication counseling. Oh In-seok, the education director of the Pharmaceutical Association, said, "There is a very high probability of increased liver enzyme levels and hepatotoxicity," adding, "The liver is an organ that, once damaged, cannot be restored, and since it plays a role in detoxifying toxic substances ingested from outside, very serious side effects are a concern." Representative side effects of Albendazole include hair loss, indigestion, decreased white blood cell count, and immune system disruption.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.