MANILA (UPDATED) -- The Philippine Dermatological Society on Monday reminded the public that intravenous (IV) glutathione is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for skin whitening. 

This, after the release of a viral video showing a woman who could not open her right eye after an alleged infection after undergoing IV glutathione treatment.

In the video, the woman asked for prayers for her fast recovery, saying she is afraid of losing her eyesight after the infection. She also blamed the nurse for failing to do the procedure correctly.

An FDA advisory earlier warned there are no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening.

“There are also no published guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment. The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening. Injectable glutathione is approved by FDA Philippines as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy,” it said.

DOH warns glutathione for cancer treatment, not skin whitening

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Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Also of concern is the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Injectable glutathione is sometimes paired with intravenous Vitamin C. Vitamin C injection may form kidney stones if the urine is acidic. Large doses of Vitamin C have resulted in hemodialysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

The FDA warned that, given that glutathione affects the production of melanin (the pigment that gives the human skin, hair and eyes their color), there are theoretical concerns about the long term skin cancer risk.

Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B. This is of particular concern when a non-medical practitioner administers this treatment or when it is done in a non-sterile facility.