Glutathione Injection: Cost, Benefits, Side Effects & Effectiveness

Overview Of Glutathione

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant in our body, composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in many body processes. Glutathione helps eliminate free oxygen radicals that result from sun exposure, pollution, drugs, and other lifestyle factors. Additionally, it may help slow down cell damage and aging, promoting overall health.

How Do Glutathione Injections Work?

Glutathione injections involve administering this powerful antioxidant directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip. Known for its ability to combat free radicals, glutathione helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. It also plays a role in reducing melanin production by interfering with tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis. This process can lead to a lighter, brighter skin tone over time.

Additionally, glutathione may promote the production of pheomelanin, a reddish-yellow pigment in the skin, which can further enhance its brightening effects. However, it’s important to note that the results of glutathione injections as a skin-whitening treatment can vary from person to person, and their effectiveness remains somewhat unpredictable. While many people see noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture, individual responses depend on factors like skin type, dosage, and treatment consistency.

How Much Does The Glutathione Injection Cost In India?

In India, The cost of Glutathione injections in typically ranges between ₹4,800 to ₹8,000 per session, depending on various factors such as brand, concentration, clinic location, and dermatologist consultation charges.

Glutathione Injection Pricing Table

In India, various clinics offer different packages for glutathione injections based on dosage and the number of injections. Below is an informative table detailing the glutathione injection pricing and dosage information to help you make an informed decision.

Factors Affecting The Glutathione Injections Price

• Dosage Requirements: The glutathione injection price depends on the individual’s dosage and increases as per the requirement.
• Quality Of Glutathione: Glutathione procured from reputed companies with guaranteed quality will cost more.
• The Number Of Injections: You will need multiple injections at different intervals for sustained results, and the cost varies accordingly.
• Maintenance Dosage: Depending on the number of maintenance injections/oral supplements, the cost will vary.
• Additional Ingredients Or Supplements: Glutathione can be combined with drips of other antioxidants like Vitamin C. Adding on ingredients can increase the cost.
• Location: Clinics in urban areas with easy accessibility can charge more for the injections.
• Clinic Reputation: Highly reputed clinics will have experienced dermatologists following global standards and protocols, can charge more.

Glutathione Injection Benefits

Glutathione injections do offer multiple benefits, making them a popular aesthetic treatment:

1. Skin Whitening: The first and the most common benefit it offers is skin whitening by removing spots and evening out the skin tone, leading to brighter skin. The results will be different for everyone.
2. Reduction In Ageing Signs: Glutathione, by virtue of its antioxidant effect and fibre-stimulating properties, can effectively delay the signs of ageing and keep skin smooth, wrinkle-free and even-toned for longer.
3. Acne And Blemish Reduction: Glutathione has anti-inflammatory effects, and it can reduce melanin pigment production. Thus, glutathione injections can also help reduce acne and related blemishes on the skin.
4. A Strong Antioxidant: The major role of glutathione in the body is to remove free oxygen radicals, which harm the body and speed up ageing. It can help combat dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and dryness.
5. Provides Elasticity: Glutathione can boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Detoxification: Glutathione can help flush out harmful toxins from your blood.
7. Targets Inflammatory Actions: Glutathione can reduce inflammation in the body and skin and shield cells from the harmful effects of inflammation.
8. Boosts Immunity: Glutathione can boost immunity and help fight against skin diseases like acne and dermatitis.

Glutathione Injection Side Effects

Glutathione injections are not FDA-approved due to potential adverse effects from skin-whitening injections; there is not enough scientific data to prove their safety.

The following are the side effects of glutathione injection:

1. Nausea & Diarrhoea: Nausea is a common side effect in case the dosage is very high. Diarrhoea is also something you may experience a little later after the injection.
2. Skin Rashes, Hives Or Allergic Reactions: These can affect anyone who takes any amount of dosage, as drug allergy is unpredictable.
3. Hair Loss: A high dosage of glutathione can cause hair fall.
4. Difficulty Breathing: This can occur as soon as they administer the IV drips and the doctor usually prescribes medicines to bring it under control.
5. Chest Pain: Chest pain and breathlessness may occasionally occur with high-speed IV drips, which is why glutathione injections should be given slowly. Expert guidance is, therefore, extremely important.
6. Weight Gain: In rare cases, a high dose of glutathione injections can also lead to weight gain.
7. Greying Hair: Some people may also experience hair greying after receiving glutathione injections, as this affects the body’s melanin content.
8. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A rare allergic reaction to certain drugs which can result in painful rash and blisters and can potentially be life-threatening.
9. Toxic Epidermal Necrosis: This is a severe version of Stevens-Johnson syndrome affecting large parts of the body and can lead to organ failure.
10. Pain In Breasts: This happens in case of fast drips of glutathione, and subsides when the drip is slowed.
11. Numbness: Fast drips or high doses of glutathione injections can cause numbness and tingling sensation on fingers, toes and other body parts.
12. Eye Disorder: Wrong doses of glutathione injections can adversely affect the eyes.
13. Aggravated Asthma Symptoms: Glutathione injections may constrict your airway and exacerbate your asthma symptoms.

Remember that a high dose of glutathione can affect the liver and kidneys. Sometimes, added Vitamin C can cause kidney stones or even Hemodialysis in G6PD-deficient (a condition where red blood cells break down in response to certain medications)

Besides the potential side effects, you must remember that glutathione injections are also expensive and painful. Excess dosage can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure or blood poisoning, which is why many countries ban its use.

We strictly recommend you consult a qualified dermatologist and opt for glutathione injections under medical supervision to minimise any side effects.

Directions To Use

You should opt for glutathione injections for skin whitening only under medical supervision after an in-depth consultation with an experienced dermatologist. This will allow them to identify your concerns and decide on the dosage you need. They will also inform you about the possible side effects and expected results including the need for maintenance. They will also be able to monitor and mitigate any adverse side effects. You can take these injections intravenously and occasionally intramuscularly, once or twice a week. They will also recommend maintenance sessions.

Takeaway

Now you know all about the results, risks, benefits and price of glutathione injections, so make an informed decision. Consult a qualified dermatologist to help you choose a safe and effective skin lightening treatment.