All skin lightening products remain banned – FDA
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the public to desist from injectable glutathione or other skin lightening products.
In a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer Delese Darko, the FDA indicated that none of such products have been approved, and continuous usage poses significant risk to consumers.
“The Food and Drugs Authority has noted with concern and cautions the public on the unsafe use of injectable glutathione which is being promoted on social media for skin lightening and bleaching, correction of uneven skin tone and reduction of blemishes.
“So far there is no clinical evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these products and no published guidelines for correct dosing and duration of treatment,” the statement cautioned.
It added that persons who use such products can suffer from “toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system and a serious skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.”
Also, users risk being infected with skin cancer.
The FDA emphasized that products not evaluated by their officials may be improperly manufactured and may contain unknown harmful ingredients.
“Apart from the dangers of the product itself, administering it under unsterile conditions or by people who are not certified to administer injectable preparations is unsafe and may lead to transmission of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis C and B,” it added.
Therefore, the FDA has urged the public to report sale of such glutathione injectable products or unregistered products as seen on social media platforms.
