DOH reiterates opposition to gluta drip

The Department of Health reiterated on Saturday that it opposes the use of glutathione to achieve lighter skin.

In a statement, the DOH said that there were no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening, as well as guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment.

''The DOH does not support the use of glutathione for skin whitening,'' the statement said.

“Injectable glutathione is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Philippines as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy. The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening.''

It added that neither the DOH nor the FDA can regulate the prescription of drugs once they have been approved for entry into the Philippine market.

“Physicians are authorized by their license to practice medicine granted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),” the DOH said.

“For the next steps to take should you think that injectable glutathione was wrongly prescribed for you by a physician, please consult a practicing lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office for legal advice on matters such as medical negligence and what may be done in the interest of justice,” it added.

The DOH's statement came amid criticism over showbiz personality Mariel Rodriguez receiving intravenous glutathione at her husband Senator Robin Padilla's office in the Senate.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa in January warned the public against the health hazards of using IV glutathione.

“IV glutathione will whiten your skin and make you look really like a Caucasian, but it can damage your kidneys and kill you,” Herbosa said at the time.

''It is not safe. The FDA has not registered it for skin whitening. If there’s someone using it, it is illegal,” he said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News