MCAZ warns on skin lightening cream use

Audrey Galawu

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned the public against using oral or injectable glutathione and injectable vitamins as skin lightening agents.

In a statement, MCAZ said there are no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of oral or injectable glutathione.

“The authority has noted with concern that several beauty salons, wellness and beauty shops are offering all kinds of beauty enhancements, services, and skin treatments.

“It is alarming that these also offer services such as intravenous drips of infusions using skin lightening agents, including Glutathione tablets or injectables combined with injectable vitamins.

“Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening includes toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and the nervous system. Furthermore, the side effects may include severe skin reactions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome, hives or allergic reactions weight gin losing pigmentation of hair and disorders,” reads the statement.

According to MCAZ, glutathione also affects the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the human skin, hair and eyes their colour.

Injectable glutathione is sometimes paired with intravenous Vitamin C which may form kidney stones if the urine is acidic.”

MCAZ added that large doses of Vitamin C may lead to hemodialysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B, particularly when served by non-medical practitioners.