From Ars Technica · · 1m 30s
Wellness clinics poisoned dozens with toxic IV drips
Over 30 people across four states got sick from bacterial toxins in glutathione IV drips sold at wellness clinics without FDA approval.
In brief
Over 30 people across four states got sick from bacterial toxins in glutathione IV drips sold at wellness clinics without FDA approval. Wellness clinics are using dietary supplement-grade glutathione in injectable IVs, which is contaminated with bacterial toxins and has sickened dozens of people. Originally reported…
Over 30 poisoned by IV drips
More than 30 people across Texas, Washington, Florida, and New York got sick after receiving IV drips of glutathione at wellness clinics. The drips were contaminated with bacterial toxins.
“Over 30 people across four states have been poisoned by bacterial toxins after getting intravenous (IV) drips at wellness clinics”
Glutathione sold without evidence
Glutathione is an antioxidant marketed for detoxification, immune support, and skin brightening, but there's little scientific evidence it works. No glutathione products are FDA-approved in the US.
“there is little to no evidence-backed use for the tripeptide; there are no FDA-approved glutathione products in the US”
Wrong grade used in injections
Compounding pharmacies made IV drips using glutathione powder graded for oral dietary supplements, not sterile injectable drugs. This lower-grade powder contained dangerous bacterial endotoxins.
“The glutathione was labeled as dietary supplement grade, which is not an appropriate ingredient to make injectable drugs”
Three Texas pharmacies recalled products
Victory Medical Center Pharmacy, Optimal Balance Pharmacy, and Centric Compounding all recalled glutathione IV products. The glutathione came from Medisca Inc. in New York.
Severe symptoms from endotoxin exposure
People who received the contaminated IV drips reported fever, chills, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and shock-like symptoms. At least three people were hospitalized, with one requiring intensive care.
“At least three people who received IV glutathione have been hospitalized. One became critically ill and required intensive care”
History of glutathione IV problems
The FDA issued a similar warning about glutathione IV contamination in 2019, when at least two people were hospitalized. The agency continues to receive new illness reports from this outbreak.
In short
Wellness clinics are using dietary supplement-grade glutathione in injectable IVs, which is contaminated with bacterial toxins and has sickened dozens of people.
