Hydrazine Sulfate

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Hydrazine Sulfate, how it works, and its possible side effects.
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What is it?

Hydrazine sulfate is not an approved cancer treatment. It has been shown to increase the incidence of some cancers.

Hydrazine sulfate is a chemical used in industrial manufacturing of agricultural chemicals and rocket fuel. Supporters make the false claim that hydrazine sulfate limits the ability of tumor cells to make glucose, an important source of their energy, from body stores. In theory, this would also prevent the accelerated breakdown of protein that causes wasting in patients with advanced cancer. However this effect, or that it could slow tumor growth, has never been shown in humans. Furthermore, hydrazine sulfate has been shown to increase the incidence of breast, lung, liver, and skin cancers.

Hydrazine sulfate is commercially available in the US, but it is illegal to use it as a cancer therapy. It is classified as a potential carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • To prevent wasting, maintain weight, and increase appetite in patients with advanced cancer
    There is no scientific evidence to support this use.
  • To treat cancer
    Clinical trials do not support this use, and one actually showed that hydrazine sulfate was worse than no treatment at all.

What are the side effects?

  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Dizziness
  • Sedation
  • Nerve damage
  • Low blood sugar
  • Insomnia

Case reports

  • Isolated cases of liver and kidney failure and brain damage.
  • Multiple basal cell carcinomas following extensive exposure to hydrazine sulfate.
  • Acute liver injury following brief occupational exposure of only 30 seconds.