After his residency, Dr. Merchant worked 5 years in an area where parasitic disease was common, due to contaminated drinking water and contact with animals. He observed that chronic parasitic disease led to other chronic diseases, and that chronic diseases developed in younger patients.
Mebendazole is an anti-parasitic drug, for parasites and worms, which is one of the most under-utilized drugs in medicine. Mebendazole was not used frequently enough, in the U.S.; thus, manufacturers raised the price beyond reason. ($130-$150 per pill). Mebendazole was available at compounding pharmacies, at a lower price; however, manufacturers now discontinued the manufacture and sale of powdered mebendazole, leaving pills as the only option. (Mebendazole remains available in other countries, at more reasonable prices.)
Mebendazole is an important drug that should be used frequently by gastroenterologists, should be available at an affordable price, and should be investigated for opportunities to expand the indications.
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