IV detox drips containing non‑injectable glutathione linked to dozens of poisonings

A recent investigation has revealed that several wellness clinics have been administering intravenous drips containing glutathione, a compound that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved for injection. The clinics marketed the treatments as a means to boost antioxidant levels, improve skin tone and support detoxification, despite the fact that glutathione is officially classified as a dietary supplement intended for oral consumption only. FDA officials have warned that using the substance intravenously can bypass safety testing required for injectable drugs, raising concerns about sterility, dosage accuracy and potential adverse reactions.

Regulatory authorities are now reviewing the practices of the clinics involved, and the FDA has issued a reminder that any product not specifically cleared for intravenous use should not be administered in that manner. Health professionals have been urged to verify the approval status of substances before offering them as IV therapies. The ongoing scrutiny aims to ensure that patients receive treatments that meet established safety standards and to prevent the off‑label use of unapproved compounds in clinical settings.