A Filipina content creator named Jelly Macha has gone viral after sharing her experience with an IV glutathione drip that allegedly left her with an eye infection that caused her right eye to close. In a TikTok video uploaded on January 25, 2025, Jelly recounted how the procedure went, claiming that the nurse who administered the injection lacked experience.
LOOK: Filipina Blames IV Glutathione for Eye Infection, Sparks Public Health Warning
"Hindi marunong 'yung nurse na nagturok sa akin,” she said. Pointing at her right hand, she continued, "Una siyang nagturok sa akin dito, sinagad niya 'yung pinaka-needle and pumutok agad ugat ko. Nag-try ulit rito [left hand] and then pumutok uli."
A day after her session, Jelly said that she began to feel headaches which led to nausea and eventually hospitalization. "Sobrang sakit na. Hindi ko na siya mapigilan. Hanggang sa dinala na ako sa ER, suka ako nang suka," she shared.
On January 27, she provided an update, revealing that after consulting an ophthalmologist, she was diagnosed with an infection affecting a nerve in her eye. Though she has not fully recovered, she noted that she has regained partial movement in her right eye.
Philippine Dermatological Society Issues Public Warning on IV Glutathione
Following Jelly’s viral video, the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) issued a statement to the media warning about the dangers of unregulated IV glutathione for skin whitening. PDS President Dr. Maria Jasmin Jamora emphasized the significant health risks associated with the procedure and reiterated that IV glutathione has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for skin whitening.
She further stressed that intravenous infusion is a medical procedure that should only be conducted by licensed professionals in appropriate healthcare settings such as hospitals or accredited clinics under the direct supervision of a doctor.
What Are the Risks of IV Glutathione?
Dr. Jasmin also warned that IV glutathione could cause severe systemic side effects. She stressed, "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."
Additionally, improper administration—such as incorrect dosage, high concentration, or rapid infusion—can lead to serious health complications.
“Hindi rin po tayo nakakisiguro sa quality ng mga gamot na binibigay kasi pwede po silang gumamit ng contaminated or adulterated na products,” she cautioned.
Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the body, has gained widespread popularity in the Philippines as a skin-whitening agent. Despite its demand, health experts, including the PDS, continue to caution against its use in unapproved forms due to the associated health risks.
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