PUBLIC WARNED VS USE OF GLUTATHIONE

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday warned the public against the use of glutathione.

According to the FDA, glutathione products with indications related to the treatment of “cisplatin chemotherapy” are the only ones they approved.

FDA attorney III Pamela Angeline Sevilla, in a radio interview, said they do not approve products submitted to the FDA that are not related to  cisplatin chemotherapy treatment.

Cisplatin chemotherapy is used for the treatment of advanced stage of cancer of the bladder, ovaries, or testicles. Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent that interferes with the growth of cancer cells in the body.

The FDA and the Department of Health (DOH) have been warning the public against unprescribed use of glutathione.

However, the number of people using glutathione seems to increase, along with the increase of unregistered glutathione products sold online via social media platforms.

Sevilla noted the online sellers of unregistered glutathione products may have not undergone the FDA authorization process or may have applied for authorization but did not meet FDA’s standards.

The official reminded the public to verify the product registration status of supplements, medicines, cosmetic products and devices, and food via the FDA’s portal before consuming or purchasing them

The FDA, in Public Advisory 2019-182, warned the public against the dangers of injectable lightening agents such as glutathione, which are usually offered at health and beauty salons, wellness spas, and beauty clinics.

According to the FDA, such products could be toxic to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Last Wednesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reiterated the importance of health education and monitoring of clinics providing “unsafe” skin treatments.

Herbosa issued the statement following a report that a 96-year-old woman died after undergoing glutathione and stem cell intravenous infusion from a clinic in Quezon City.

The woman reportedly died due to alleged complications.

Herbosa said products like intravenous glutathione are not approved by the FDA.

“Off-label use at ilegal po ang paggawa niyan. At ito na ang nakita natin na ito na ang pwedeng rason, pagkamatay,” he said.
 
“Para hindi kayo mauwi sa morgue dahil sa inyong pagpapaganda o pagpapabata, i-check po sa website ‘yung listahan ng mga stem cell clinic na lisensiyado. ‘Pag wala sila doon sa listahan, ‘yan ay ilegal,” the Health Secretary said.