Levamisole

Levamisole is an antihelminthic drug that was commonly used for the treatment of parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections. It was manufactured by Janssen and first used in 1969 as an agent to treat worm infestations Levamisole was approved by the FDA in 1990 as an adjuvant treatment for colon cancer. Prior to this, levamisole was used as an antirheumatic therapy in the 1970s and 1980s for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Because of its immunomodulatory effects, this drug has been studied in the treatment of various immune-mediated diseases, with some studies showing positive results. This drug has also been used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of various cancers.

Levamisole was withdrawn from the American market in 2000 due to its ability to cause serious adverse effects, including agranulocytosis. Interestingly, levamisole has been found as an adulterant in cocaine and can lead to a variety of adverse effects in individuals using this drug.

For adjuvant treatment in combination with fluorouracil after surgical resection in patients with Dukes' stage C colon cancer. Also used to treat malignant melanoma and head/neck cancer.