DOH warns against use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening

PHOTO: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening.

This came after a 39-year-old woman from Quezon City died allegedly due to complications from intravenous glutathione and stem cell therapy.

“Gusto ko sanang i-reiterate in this conference, as of now, ang FDA [ay] hindi pa po approved ang use ng intravenous glutathione as a skin whitening,” said Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa in a media forum.

(I would like to reiterate in this conference that, as of now, the FDA has not yet approved the use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening.)

READ: Dermatologists warn of risks of IV glutathione

The health secretary also mentioned that the DOH has a regulation on the establishment of stem cell clinics as the reach of stem cell therapy expands.

READ: FDA warns public vs injectable glutathione for skin lightening

“Babala sa ating mga kababayan para hindi kayo mauwi sa ganito, sa morgue, ay sa inyong pagpapaganda, pagpapabata, i-check po sa ating website ‘yung listahan ng mga stem cell clinic na lisensyado,” Herbosa warned.

(A warning to our compatriots so you don’t end up like this, in the morgue, with your beautification, rejuvenation, please check our website for the list of licensed stem cell clinics.)

READ: Death by glutathione

He also noted that most legal stem cell facilities are attached to big hospitals because the procedure requires a proper laboratory and other equipment.