Shefali Jariwala death: Why experts caution against taking medicines, injections on an empty stomach
'Her blood pressure dropped drastically and she began shivering, following which family members rushed her to hospital,' he added.
Now, close friend and actor Pooja Ghai has opened up about Shefali's last moments and how her husband, Parag Tyagi, found her motionless at their home.
When asked if Shefali was taking an anti-ageing drip, Pooja told Vickey Lalwani, 'On that day, she did take the vitamin C IV drip, but it's a very normal thing to take a Vitamin C. We all take vitamin C. Post-Covid people have started taking vitamin C regularly. Some people just pop in a tablet, and some people take it through an IV drip. She did take an IV drip on that day.' When asked if Shefali took the IV drip just hours before her death, Pooja responded, 'I am not sure about that, but the only thing that I saw was that while I was standing there the police called for the guy who gave the drip just to check what medicine she was taking, and that's when it unfolded that she had taken an IV drip that day.'
While the case remains under investigation, experts raise concerns about taking medicines on an empty stomach.
Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said that taking medication without food can sometimes lead to side effects, such as low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac complications, especially with antihypertensives or heart medications. 'Drugs like NSAIDs or steroids can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis or ulcers when taken on an empty stomach,' said Dr Ugalmugle.
When medicines are taken on an empty stomach, they are absorbed more rapidly, which can cause sudden and unpredictable effects on the body, added Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. 'This accelerated absorption can result in sharp fluctuations in vital functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, or blood sugar levels. For example, certain anti-ageing treatments, including glutathione and Vitamin C injections, can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure when taken without food, potentially leading to fainting, shock, or cardiac arrest,' said Dr Singla.
Moreover, the dangers are compounded when multiple medications or injections are taken together, a practice known as polypharmacy, said Dr Singla.
How does eating food help?
According to Dr Ugalmugle, food acts as a buffer, slowing drug absorption and reducing side effects. 'For many medications, taking them with meals improves tolerability and safety by moderating how quickly they enter the bloodstream,' said Dr Ugalmugle.
Are all medications supposed to be taken after meals?
No. Some medicines are meant to be taken on an empty stomach, Dr Ugalmugle affirmed. 'For example, thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), bisphosphonates, and certain antibiotics like doxycycline are better absorbed without food. Taking them after meals can reduce their effectiveness,' said Dr Ugalmugle.
What should patients keep in mind?
Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding the timing of food and medication. These recommendations are based on the pharmacokinetics of each drug, how it's absorbed and processed in the body. Timing can significantly impact both safety and efficacy.
Experts strongly advise individuals to consult healthcare professionals before starting any medication, especially if they are fasting or undergoing cosmetic or wellness treatments, said Dr Singla. 'It is crucial to monitor the body's response to any new drug or injection and be alert to warning signs such as dizziness, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat,' said Dr Singla.
Wellness routines, including fasting and anti-ageing therapies, should always be balanced with sound medical guidance. Failing to heed this advice can lead to severe health consequences. 'Ultimately, the safest approach is one that prioritises informed decisions, professional supervision, and overall health over unverified treatments or unsupervised self-care practices,' said Dr Singla.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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