Shefali Jariwala’s Death: Obsession With Glutathione, Side Effects Of The Cancer Drug As Skin Lightening Agent

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Shefali Jariwala’s Death:  Indian’s obsession with a fairer skin tone is not new. The death of actress Shefalu Jariwala has shed light on the fatal consequences of the love for a ‘whiter’ skin. Reports suggest that the cause of Jariwala’s death is injecting glutathione empty stomach, which triggered low blood pressure, gastric issues, and a deadly cardiac arrest. 

Glutathione, aka the magic drug for skin lightening, is not under scrutiny for the first time.

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In India, the lure of white skin and Glutathione was criticised in Prime Video’s Made In Heaven, marking it a major pop culture moment from the entertainment industry. But many years later, Jariwala is said to succumb to the side effects of the drug. 

What is Glutathione?

A natural antioxidant produced in the liver, Glutathione is made up of three amino acids, including glycine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. 

Glutathione is naturally occurring in the body as an antioxidant to detoxify it, replenish cells, and hence act as an anti-ageing substance as well. It is found in citrus fruits, meats, and vegetables like spinach and broccoli. 

The levels of Glutathione can be due by many factors in the body. From poor nutrition to rising age, the wonderful antioxidants can be reduced. 

Uses of Glutathione 

Though hailed as a magic potion for skin lightening and anti-ageing, Glutathione is actually a drug used to repair tissue damage and boost the immune system. 

It is used in the treatment of cancer patients during chemotherapy to help them cope with the treatment. During chemo, skin lightening is one of the side effects of glutathione, but a beauty is a marketing genius is capitalising on anything in the promise of fair skin.

Today, Glutathione is marketed as a skin whitening product more widely than its original use as a cancer treatment drug. 

Side Effects of Glutathione 

In Jariwala’s case, the world woke up to the deadly side effects of Glutathione, leading to death due to cardiac arrest. In most cases, the major side effects of the antioxidant include bloating, allergic reactions, cramps in the abdomen, headaches, and difficulty in breathing due to bronchial spasms. 

In rare and fatal cases, use of Glutathione can lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Asthma, lower zinc levels, and rare blood disorders like hemolysis.

Glutathione is widely available as an over-the-counter drug in oral supplements (capsules, liquids, dissolvable tablets), topical creams and sprays, intravenous infusions, and nebulized medications. While it seems like an answer to the woes of a country with a colonial past, racial discrimination, and fair skin obsession, Glutathione needs regulation and proper consultations from professionals if used for reasons like skin lightening. 

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