A Dawson Creek, B.C. acupuncturist has been suspended for two months by a regulatory college for prescribing ivermectin and fenbendazole to patients without authorization. Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication commonly used in animals, and fenbendazole, another animal dewormer not approved for human use by Health Canada, were prescribed by Katie Johnston. The College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C. initiated an investigation into Johnston in April 2025, leading to a consent order outlining her misconduct.
Johnston was found to have prescribed medications and recommended oral products outside her regulated scope of practice, leading to the suspension. The college stated that she failed to document prescription information and patient monitoring for those given fenbendazole and ivermectin. Additionally, Johnston performed point injection therapies beyond her practice scope and altered patient records following the college’s investigation notice.
Acknowledging her misconduct, Johnston signed the consent order agreeing to the two-month suspension. She will undertake professional courses on ethical conduct and health-care record documentation and consent to random audits of her acupuncture practice for the next year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of ivermectin in Canada due to false claims of its effectiveness in treating the virus. While safe for human use under proper medical supervision, ivermectin may have interactions with other medications or be unsuitable for individuals with specific health conditions.