Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (PPAB)

Former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Janette Garin says that patrons of intravenous (IV) glutathione or gluta drip are more at risk of skin cancer.

In a press conference on Thursday, March 7, Garin explained that the so-called gluta drip can only function as a skin-lightening product if it is “overdosed” on the patient.

“In excessive doses, nagpapaputi siya dahil kapag ikaw ay may kaunting overdose na sa glutathione hinaharang niya yung iyong melanin or pigment cells na nagbibigay-kulay sa ‘yo,” said Garin.

(In excessive doses, it can whiten skin because when you have a slight overdose of glutathione, it blocks your melanin or pigment cells that give your skin color.)

“Dahil hinarang niya ang iyong pigment cells, nagiging mas prone ka sa [skin] cancer,” she added.

(Because it blocks your pigment cells, you become more prone to [skin] cancer.)

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and B, as well as toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

In a public advisory, the FDA said it has yet to approve any injectable products for skin lightening. 

The only method approved for the use of injectable glutathione is through the adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy.

“It’s a very strong antioxidant, para ikaw ay hindi madaling mahawa ng sakit…at tumaas ang iyong resistensya. However, ‘pag hindi ka natignan ng maayos ng doktor, at ito pala ay bawal sa ‘yo, at wala ka namang cancer, para kang kumuha ng bato na pinukpok sa ulo mo,” said Garin, who represents the first district of Iloilo.

(It's a very strong antioxidant, so you don't get sick easily...and your resistance strengthens. However, if a doctor doesn't take a good look at you, and it turns out it's prohibited for you, and you don't have cancer, it's like smashing a rock on your head.)

On Thursday, Senator Nancy Binay filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate the deaths related to gluta drips.

Although the Iloilo solon welcomed the proposed probe, she admitted that it can only go so far.

“Ang sitwasyon ng Pilipinas ay nakakahon, mayroon tayong mga government agencies pero pag kinasuhan mo, babalikan ka ng kaso,” Garin stressed.

(The situation in the Philippines is boxed in, we have government agencies but if you charge them, the case will come back to you.)

“We welcome the Senate investigation pero ang malaking katanungan (but the big question is), where will this bring us?” she asked.

She regretted that many Filipinos have been falling for the “fake news” of gluta drips. 

For those who want to get fairer skin, the doctor-turned-solon advised them to just eat vegetables, exercise, and get the right amount of sleep.