The Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) has warned the public about the risks of intravenous (IV) glutathione following a viral video showing a Filipino woman’s alarming reaction to the beauty procedure.
The video, posted on Jan. 25, shows the woman unable to open her right eye and pleading for prayers in hopes of avoiding permanent loss of eyesight after undergoing the treatment.
PDS President Dr. Maria Jasmin Jamora cautioned the public about the health risks of IV glutathione, especially when used for skin whitening, and reiterated that it has not been approved by the FDA.
“The Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) is reminding the public that IV glutathione is not approved by the FDA for skin whitening and called on the public to go to reputable skin clinics for their skin health concerns,” she said in a statement.
According to Jamora, intravenous infusion, being a medical procedure, should only be carried out by a licensed doctor or nurse, with a doctor present onsite for direct supervision.
She further emphasized that such procedures should take place in proper healthcare settings, such as hospitals or licensed clinics with an onsite doctor.
“Gusto po namin ipayo sa publiko na ang intravenous infusion ay isang procedure na medikal na dapat gawin ng lisensyadong doktor or nurse na nasa direct supervision ng doktor at dapat onsite po ‘yung doktor (We would like to advise the public that intravenous infusion is a medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed doctor or nurse under the direct supervision of a doctor, and the doctor must be onsite),” the doctor said in a press briefing.
Jamora explained that, as of now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any injectable products for skin whitening.
“Ang injectable glutathione ay approved by FDA Philippines as an adjunct para mabawasan ang side effects ng cisplatin chemotherapy na ang tawag ay neurotoxicity (Injectable glutathione is approved by the FDA Philippines as an adjunct to reduce the side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy, known as neurotoxicity),” she stressed.
Possible side effects
Jamora pointed out that IV glutathione can cause serious systemic side effects, including potential toxicity in vital organs such as the thyroid, kidneys, and liver.
“May mga report din ng kidney failure, gastritis, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, tumataas yung thyroid hormones, tumataas yung blood sugar, chest heaviness, at matinding skin allergy tulad ng Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pamamantal ng balat, pamamantal ng mata, pumuputok ng ugat at even anaphylactic shock (There are also reports of kidney failure, gastritis, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, elevated thyroid hormones, increased blood sugar, chest heaviness, severe skin allergies such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, rashes on the skin, rashes in the eyes, ruptured blood vessels, and even anaphylactic shock),” she added.
Also, the PDS president said that there can be side effects from improperly administering intravenous medication, such as high concentration, high dosage, and rapid infusion.
“Hindi rin po tayo nakakisiguro sa quality ng mga gamot na binibigay kasi pwede po silang gumamit ng contaminated or adulterated na products (We cannot also be sure of the quality of the medications being given, as they may use contaminated or adulterated products),” said Jamora.
Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body, is sometimes marketed in the Philippines as a skin-whitening agent.
Despite its popularity, particularly for individuals seeking lighter skin, health experts, including the PDS, continue to caution against using the substance in non-approved forms.