Woman shares experience of infection following gluta drip session
A social media user is raising awareness after she got an eye infection from a glutathione drip session.
In her now-viral Facebook video posted on Saturday, Jan. 25, Jelly Macha recalled the details of her intravenous (IV) glutathione session, which she claimed was administered by an inexperienced nurse.
"Nagkaroon ako ng infection sa aking gluta drip session, fault ko kasi una pa lang naramadaman ko na na 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 dito (left hand) and then pumutok ulit,” Macha, who was unable to open her right eye, said.
“Nung okay na siya, ‘yung nurse na una nagkabit [ng IV drip], hindi niya na-lock nang maayos. In-open niya, sumabog ‘yung gamot and then kinover niya nung kamay niya, so hindi ko na rin naisip baka magkaroon ‘yun ng infection or something. Fault ko pa rin kasi pinatuloy ko,” she added.
The following day, Macha was vomiting and was in so much pain. She was then rushed to the emergency room.
In a separate video uploaded on Monday, Macha said she experienced severe headaches and pain around her right eye for days. She consulted with an ophthalmologist, who told her she has an eye infection.
“Nung tinignan po ay nagkaroon siya ng infection. ‘Yung nerve ko po ‘yung naapektuhan,” she said.
Experts weigh in
Dermatologist Dr. Emmerson Vista explained that glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps the body strengthen its immune system. It also helps reduce the production of melanin, a substance that gives pigment to hair, skin, and eyes. However, due to certain factors like poor nutrition, stress, environmental toxins, and aging, levels of glutathione decrease.
“That’s why it’s now popular to give this antioxidant in the form of oral tablet, IV, or even inhalant. But the problem is, it’s not being used properly. So, you see a lot of cosmetic clinics try to use this as an additional way to improve the skin by whitening or lightening,” he further explained to PhilSTAR L!fe.
Vista emphasized there is limited scientific evidence available to support the claim that glutathione effectively enhances skin texture.
"We don't have any big trials saying the efficacy and safety of these medications. There's really no FDA approval for this indication,” he said.
In the case of Macha's eye infection, Dr. Erwin Palisoc, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at MCU-FDTMF Hospital, clarified that while glutathione itself is “not directly harmful to the eye,” infections can happen due to improper administration or contaminated tools and/or substances.
“Complications from the procedure, such as improper administration or contaminated materials, could lead to systemic infections or inflammatory reactions. These complications may indirectly affect the eyes, leading to infections or conditions like orbital cellulitis,” Palisoc told L!fe.
“If bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream during the procedure, they can spread and cause systemic or localized infections, including in the eyes,” he added.
He added that treatment for the eye infection depends on its severity.
“Common interventions include antibiotic or antifungal eye drops, oral medications, or, in severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. Prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist is crucial to prevent complications like visual loss,” Palisoc said.
Warning vs risks of IV glutathione
Vista emphasized the importance of seeking treatment from reputable clinics with necessary licenses and thoroughly verifying the credentials of the medical professionals administering the treatment.
Vista said, “You should know first what you are going to get by asking the doctor who will administer medications to you. You have the right to ask questions what are the benefits and possible side effects of the product.”
The FDA has previously warned the public about the procedure, saying they haven’t approved any injectable lightening agents such as glutathione for the skin.
“Injectable glutathione is approved by FDA Philippines as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy,” the agency added in the statement. Cisplatin injection is used for the treatment of advanced cancer of the bladder, ovaries, or testicles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It also advised the public to "avoid buying injectable products online and from being lured to a promising effect of medicines as beauty products."
Vista also said side effects, such as kidney failure, can happen due to excessive use of the antioxidant.
“You don’t really develop side effects if you maintain the regular dose, [which is] around 500 to 1,000 milligrams. I think it’s enough to not overwork your kidney and liver in metabolizing glutathione because any excess will just be excreted to your kidney and liver,” he explained to L!fe. “We have so many reported cases wherein they developed kidney failure due to excessive use of glutathione.”
The Philippine Dermatological Society also noted the same thing, warning about unregulated IV glutathione for skin whitening in a media forum on Jan. 27.
“Ang intravenous na pagbigay nito (glutathione) ay pwedeng magresulta sa matataas na dose, at pwedeng ma-overload ang ating mga bato,” said Dr. Jasmin Jamora, head of the Philippine Dermatological Society Dermoscopy Interest Group, adding that side effects may include skin rash, swelling of the eyes, headache, diarrhea, and anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reaction, among others.
Palisoc emphasized the crucial role of public awareness in preventing complications, saying, “Many of these procedures are marketed as low-risk but carry potential health hazards when not performed correctly.”
“Glutathione drips are often performed in non-medical settings without strict adherence to safety and sterilization protocols. The lack of regulation increases the risk of complications, including infections, allergic reactions, and incorrect administration,” Palisoc added.
