Glutathione injections and drips in the Philippines: what FDA Philippines says
Not yet medically reviewed. Fact-checked against the sources listed below on October 7, 2026.How we write and review
Last updated October 7, 2026
FDA Philippines says it has not approved any injectable product for skin lightening. It says injectable glutathione is approved as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy. It warns of possible liver, kidney and nervous system toxicity, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and infections from injectable glutathione used for lightening, and has flagged several unregistered glutathione injectables and drips.
Key takeaways
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2019-182 states: "The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening." It also says there are no published guidelines on dosing or how long treatment should last.
- FDA Philippines has issued advisories against unregistered glutathione injectables and IV drips with no Certificate of Product Registration, including in 2021 and 2022.
- In May 2026, FDA Philippines assisted the NBI in a Pasig City operation against the administration of unregistered injectables for aesthetic purposes, including products marketed as glutathione.
- In August 2026, the US FDA said it knew of at least 30 patients with adverse events, some hospitalized, after IV glutathione made from dietary supplement grade glutathione.
- FDA Philippines asks the public to check products on its verification portal and to report unregistered products through ereport@fda.gov.ph or e-Sumbong.
What does FDA Philippines say about glutathione injections?
FDA Philippines has not approved any injectable product for skin lightening. It said so in FDA Advisory No. 2019-182, posted on its website on 5 July 2019, which warned the public "on the dangers associated with the use of injectable lightening agents such as glutathione."
The advisory makes these points:
- Where drips are offered: FDA notes that several salons, spas and beauty clinics offer intravenous drips of reduced glutathione, vitamin C and other injections.
- No trials (as of 2019): "To date there are no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening."
- No dosing guidance: "There are also no published guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment."
- No approval for lightening: "The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening."
- One approved use: "Injectable glutathione is approved by FDA Philippines as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy."
- Advice: consult a board-certified dermatologist, and do not purchase injectable products online.
Risks listed in the advisory
| Risk | What FDA Philippines says |
|---|---|
| Organ toxicity | Possible "toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system" |
| Severe skin reaction | The possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is also a concern |
| Infection | Transmission of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, of particular concern when a non-medical practitioner gives the treatment or it is done in a non-sterile facility |
| Skin cancer | Because glutathione affects melanin production, "there are theoretical concerns about the long term skin cancer risk" |
| Vitamin C given with it | IV vitamin C "may form kidney stones if the urine is acidic", and large doses of vitamin C have led to hemodialysis in patients with G6PD deficiency |
The advisory has no letterhead PDF attached, so the date above is the date it was posted online.
Which glutathione injectables and drips has FDA Philippines flagged?
FDA Philippines has issued several advisories against glutathione injectables and drips that have no Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). Without a CPR, FDA says the public has no assurance of the product's quality, safety and efficacy.
| Advisory | Date | Product type | What FDA Philippines found |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 2021-3303 | 1 December 2021 | Reduced glutathione powder for injection | Post-marketing surveillance verified it has no CPR. FDA warned that use "may pose potential danger or injury to health" |
| No. 2022-0414 | 24 February 2022 | Four drug products labeled for intramuscular or intravenous use, including a glutathione injectable and a vitamin drip for IV infusion | None has a CPR |
| No. 2022-1633 | 20 September 2022 | Three glutathione "drip" and "infusion drip" products labeled I.M / I.V | None has a CPR |
These advisories cover specific products. They are not a complete list, and a product missing from this table is not necessarily registered.
What happened in the NBI operation in Pasig City?
On 22 May 2026, FDA Philippines assisted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in an operation in Pasig City against "the illegal administration of unregistered injectable products for aesthetic purposes."
According to FDA, a medical practitioner was reportedly apprehended while administering unregistered injectables, including products marketed as glutathione. FDA said "the use, promotion, distribution, and administration of unregistered health products are prohibited under Republic Act No. 9711." FDA posted the notice on 11 June 2026.
What has the US FDA found in glutathione injections?
The US FDA has warned about contamination in IV glutathione made from dietary supplement grade powder.
| Date | What the US FDA reported |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Seven patients at one outpatient clinic had nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, chills, body aches and sneezing within minutes of an IV infusion of compounded glutathione. One had low blood pressure and trouble breathing and was taken to hospital. A separate patient was hospitalized for a possible bloodstream infection. FDA testing found excessive bacterial endotoxin in the glutathione powder, which was labeled as a dietary supplement ingredient |
| 27 August 2026 | At least 30 patients had adverse events after IV glutathione, alone or with other ingredients, made by compounding pharmacies from dietary supplement grade glutathione. Reported events included "fever, chills, pain, dizziness, signs of shock and sepsis-like symptoms, with some resulting in hospitalizations." Two Texas pharmacies recalled glutathione injectables over elevated endotoxin |
The US FDA says compounders "should not use dietary supplement grade ingredients when making injectable drugs", because these "may contain impurities and contaminants, including endotoxins, that may be harmful when administered as an injectable drug."
In a consumer update in Filipino, the US FDA also says it has not approved any injectable drug for skin whitening. It says these products may not work, may cause harm, and may contain unknown harmful ingredients or contaminants. It adds that improper injection practices can transmit disease, cause infection and lead to serious injury.
What do case reports and reviews describe?
Published reports describe serious reactions after glutathione infusions.
- UK case report, 2025: a previously healthy woman developed shock, a temperature above 41°C and acute liver injury within an hour of an unregulated, high dose glutathione infusion given for skin lightening. She recovered with supportive care. The authors suggest endotoxin contamination, or a high glutathione dose in a nutritionally compromised patient, as possible causes.
- Review, 2026: lists liver toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions and possible kidney and endocrine effects as concerns with IV glutathione that may complicate its risk and benefit balance.
Do glutathione injections lighten skin?
Reviewers have found little evidence that they do. A 2025 systematic review found only one placebo-controlled study of IV glutathione for skin. In it, 6 of 16 people (37.5%) responded versus 3 (18.7%) on placebo, which did not reach statistical significance (p 0.054).
The reviewers state that "IV glutathione is contraindicated due to lack of efficacy and side effects." A 2026 review adds that IV glutathione is routinely given with vitamin C, which makes its own effect hard to know. A 2016 review notes that "although the use of intravenous glutathione injections is popular, there is no evidence to prove its efficacy."
What do Philippine dermatologists say?
The Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) has commented on injectable glutathione for skin whitening, according to a news report. No official PDS document on glutathione was found for this page.
As reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 28 January 2025, the PDS reminded the public that injectable glutathione is not approved by local authorities for skin whitening. The PDS president was quoted:
- "Until now, despite careful and thorough studies, we cannot find evidence on the efficacy of glutathione on skin whitening."
- "There have been reports of kidney failure, gastritis, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Skin rashes also happen, swelling of the eyes, ruptured veins, and even anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal."
How to check whether a product is registered
FDA Philippines tells the public to check a product's registration on its verification portal before using it.
- Verification portal: verification.fda.gov.ph. FDA Philippines launched a new version with a single search across all FDA databases and advises the public to rely solely on it when confirming the regulatory status of FDA-regulated products and establishments.
- Establishments too: FDA says the portal can be used to check FDA-licensed establishments as well as products.
- Unregistered list: FDA also publishes a list of verified unregistered health products.
- Limits: FDA says portal information is for verification only and is not regulatory advice.
A search of the portal for "glutathione" on 7 October 2026 listed 17 glutathione injection registrations, all classified as prescription drugs (Rx). The portal does not show indications, and FDA Philippines says no injectable product is approved for skin lightening (Advisory No. 2019-182). The same search listed one over-the-counter combination tablet containing glutathione, food supplements (more than 500 of them marked "NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS") and cosmetics. The portal is a keyword search, so these results include products with glutathione anywhere in the name. FDA Philippines has also named one registered glutathione-containing food supplement in Advisory No. 2023-2098-A.
How to report a product to FDA Philippines
FDA Philippines asks the public to report suspected unregistered or counterfeit health products and unlicensed establishments.
| What to report | Where |
|---|---|
| Suspected unregistered or counterfeit products, or unlicensed establishments | Email ereport@fda.gov.ph, or use e-Sumbong, the online reporting platform on www.fda.gov.ph |
| Continued sale or distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products | e-Sumbong on www.fda.gov.ph |
| A suspected side effect (adverse drug reaction) | The adverse reaction reporting link printed in FDA Philippines advisories on unregistered drug products: https://bit.ly/PHFDAReportSideEffects |
Frequently asked questions
Are glutathione drips approved for skin whitening in the Philippines?
No. FDA Philippines states: "The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening." It says injectable glutathione is approved as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy.
Are glutathione drips legal in the Philippines?
FDA Philippines says "the use, promotion, distribution, and administration of unregistered health products are prohibited under Republic Act No. 9711." It has named several glutathione injectables and drips that have no Certificate of Product Registration. Whether a specific product is registered can be checked on the FDA verification portal.
What did FDA Advisory No. 2019-182 say?
It warned the public about injectable lightening agents such as glutathione. It said that, at the time, there were no published clinical trials on injectable glutathione for skin lightening, no published dosing guidelines, and no FDA approval of any injectable product for skin lightening. It listed liver, kidney and nervous system toxicity, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and infections as concerns.
What side effects can glutathione injections cause?
FDA Philippines lists possible toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system, possible Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. The US FDA has reported fever, chills, pain, dizziness, signs of shock and sepsis-like symptoms after IV glutathione made from dietary supplement grade powder.
Why is vitamin C in glutathione drips a concern?
FDA Philippines notes that IV drips of reduced glutathione are offered with vitamin C and other injections. It warns that IV vitamin C may form kidney stones if the urine is acidic, and that large doses of vitamin C have led to hemodialysis in people with G6PD deficiency.
Has anyone been hospitalized after a glutathione drip?
Yes. The US FDA reported a patient taken to hospital in 2019 after an IV infusion of compounded glutathione, and in 2026 said some of at least 30 reported adverse events led to hospitalization. A 2025 UK case report describes a woman who developed shock and acute liver injury within an hour of a glutathione infusion for skin lightening.
Do glutathione injections lighten skin?
The evidence is weak. A 2025 systematic review found only one placebo-controlled IV trial: 6 of 16 people responded versus 3 on placebo, which was not statistically significant. The reviewers state that "IV glutathione is contraindicated due to lack of efficacy and side effects."
What does the Philippine Dermatological Society say about glutathione drips?
As reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 28 January 2025, the society reminded the public that injectable glutathione is not approved by local authorities for skin whitening. Its president said they "cannot find evidence on the efficacy of glutathione on skin whitening."
Is injectable glutathione approved for anything in the Philippines?
FDA Philippines stated in 2019 that injectable glutathione is approved as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy. On 7 October 2026 the FDA Philippines Verification Portal listed 17 glutathione injection registrations, all prescription drugs. The portal does not show what use they are registered for, and FDA Philippines says no injectable product is approved for skin lightening (Advisory 2019-182).
How do I check if a glutathione product is registered with FDA?
Search the product on the FDA verification portal at verification.fda.gov.ph, which FDA Philippines says the public should rely on to confirm regulatory status. FDA also publishes a list of verified unregistered health products on its website.
How do I report an unregistered glutathione drip?
FDA Philippines asks the public to report suspected unregistered health products and unlicensed establishments to ereport@fda.gov.ph, or through its online reporting platform, e-Sumbong, on www.fda.gov.ph. Suspected side effects can be reported through the link printed in its advisories on unregistered drug products.
Sources
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2019-182, use of glutathione as a skin lightening agent, 2019
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2021-3303, unregistered drug products, 2021
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2022-0414, unregistered drug products, 2022
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2022-1633, unregistered drug products, 2022
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2026-1280, unregistered glutathione drug product, 2026
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2023-2098-A, registered glutathione food supplement
- FDA Philippines, NBI operation against unregistered injectables for aesthetic purposes, 2026
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2026-1283 (an unregistered tirzepatide product), standard verification and reporting instructions, 2026
- FDA Philippines, launch of the new FDA Verification Portal
- FDA Philippines Advisory No. 2023-2238, use of the FDA Verification Portal
- FDA Philippines, news post on the FDA Verification Portal, 2026
- FDA Philippines Verification Portal, search for glutathione, October 7, 2026
- US FDA, consumer update on injectable skin whitening products (Filipino), 2015
- US FDA, concerns about the dietary ingredient glutathione in sterile injectables, 2019
- US FDA, reminder not to use dietary supplement grade glutathione in injectables, 2026
- UK case report of shock and liver injury after a glutathione infusion, 2025 (PMID 40556995)
- Aloraini et al., review of IV, oral and topical glutathione, J Med Life, 2026 (PMID 42751591)
- Sarkar et al., systematic review of glutathione for skin lightening, Int J Dermatol, 2025 (PMID 39444151)
- Sonthalia, Daulatabad and Sarkar, review, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol, 2016 (PMID 27088927)
- Philippine Daily Inquirer, report on the Philippine Dermatological Society and glutathione, 28 January 2025
Related reading
This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed doctor before starting any treatment.