A recent incident has shed light on the risks associated with intravenous (IV) glutathione treatments, particularly when administered improperly. Jelly Macha, who underwent a glutathione drip session, recounted her distressing experience through a social media video. She claimed that the nurse performing the procedure lacked expertise, leading to severe complications.
“Hindi marunong ‘yung nurse na nagturok sa akin. Una siyang nagturok sa akin dito [right hand], sinagad niya ‘yung pinaka-needle and pumutok agad ugat ko. Nag-try ulit rito [left hand] and then pumutok uli,” Macha said, describing the nurse’s repeated failed attempts at inserting the IV.
Two days after the session, Macha experienced intense pain that became unbearable, prompting her to seek emergency medical attention. “Sobrang sakit na. Hindi ko na siya mapigilan. Hanggang sa dinala na ako sa ER, suka ako nang suka,” she shared, highlighting the severity of her symptoms.
Her condition, while improving, remains a concern. An ophthalmologist diagnosed her with a nerve infection in her eye, which caused visual disturbances. “‘Yung vision ko po ngayon ang concern. Medyo nao-open ko na siya pero kung nakikita n’yo ‘yung eyeball, nakakakita pa rin pero tatlo pa rin ang paningin ko,” Macha explained, indicating ongoing visual issues.
Medical experts have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that such complications are uncommon unless contamination occurs. Dr. Itos Yutangco, an ophthalmologist, stated, “Generally, IV drugs, gluta for example, do not cause eye infection except kung contaminated ‘yung drug or ‘yung ginamit, ‘yung needle, paraphernalia na ginamit na magpasok ng drugs.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also addressed the use of glutathione, noting that it is not approved for skin whitening. FDA spokesperson Atty. Pam Sevilla remarked, “We consider it as cancer medicine. Kung ginagamit siya na pampaputi, definitely hindi po ‘yan aprubado ng Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
Dr. Jasmin Jamora, president of the Philippine Dermatological Society, cautioned against the off-label use of IV glutathione, explaining, “Puwede pong toxicity, abnormalities, gastritis, puwede rin kidney failure, puwede pong masakit ang dibdib, serious skin problems, mga side effects, mga allergy.”
The Department of Health and FDA have consistently warned the public about the dangers of using unregistered whitening products. Since 2019, authorities have confiscated millions of pesos worth of illegal items, including glutathione drips.
Macha’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of unapproved cosmetic procedures and the need to consult qualified medical professionals for any treatment.
A woman blamed her glutathione drip session for causing an infection that led to her being unable to open one of her eyes.
— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) January 27, 2025
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