Latest news with #Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Is Shefali Jariwala's death due to over Glutathione Injections?Doctors warn of severe side effects
The sudden death of actress and reality TV star Shefali Jariwala at age 42 has brought renewed attention to the potential dangers of glutathione injections, widely used for skin lightening and anti-ageing. Shefali, best known for her role in Bigg Boss 13 and the iconic Kaanta Laga music video, reportedly received glutathione shots as part of a beauty treatment before her death on June 27. Though the exact cause of death is under investigation, reports suggest she may have suffered from low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and gastric distress following an injection on an empty stomach. Medical experts are now urging the public to understand the risks and consult qualified professionals rather than following social media fads. What is Glutathione? Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body. It plays a key role in detoxifying the liver, boosting immunity, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Due to its supposed skin-brightening properties, it has gained massive popularity in oral, topical, and injectable forms. 'People are drawn to glutathione because of its reputation as the 'master antioxidant,' but its cosmetic use, especially through injections, is not without serious risk,' said Dr Sai Lahari Rachumallu, Dermatology Associate Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar. Potential Side Effects and Misuse Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and HoD of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, emphasized that glutathione should only be used under strict medical supervision. 'While it can help with liver issues, oxidative stress, or immune dysfunction, using it casually for cosmetic benefits—especially in unregulated settings—can be harmful,' she said. Reported side effects include: Abdominal cramps and bloating Allergic reactions like rashes and itching Zinc deficiency affecting immunity and healing Risk of infection from improper injection techniques Kidney damage or renal toxicity from high doses Rare but serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome 'High-dose glutathione injections used over time can harm liver and kidney function, especially when combined with steroids or vitamin C for faster skin whitening,' Dr Rajamanya added. Oral vs Injectable Glutathione Doctors also pointed out that oral glutathione has poor bioavailability—meaning only a small portion is absorbed by the body. This has led to a surge in intravenous injections, which deliver glutathione directly into the bloodstream but significantly raise the stakes when it comes to side effects. 'Injectables may offer faster results, but the risks are exponentially higher if used irresponsibly,' Dr Rachumallu warned. Caution Against Unregulated Clinics Another growing concern is the ease with which such procedures are available in India—often without prescriptions, supervision, or proper hygiene. 'People are influenced by celebrities and influencers, but health should never be compromised for beauty trends,' said Dr Rajamanya. Experts urge people to seek proper clinical evaluations and avoid off-label or unapproved uses of any injectable treatments. They stress that while glutathione has therapeutic value, it should not be misused in the pursuit of fairness or youth. Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before beginning any new treatment.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Can Anti-Ageing Drugs Cause Cardiac Arrest? Doctors Explain Shefali Jariwala Death
On June 27, 2025, when news of the tragic and sudden death of actress Shefali Jariwala broke, it left everyone in shock. The 42-year-old actress, who rose to fame with the iconic remix of the Kaanta Laga song that every Y2K person knows about, died suddenly from a possible cardiac arrest, leading to various speculation about the cause of her death. One such cause, according to sources, points to the use of so-called age-defying anti-ageing treatments, which might come with hidden, and sometimes fatal, cardiovascular risks. The Toxic Cocktail Of Anti-Ageing Treatments And Fasting Reports suggest that Shefali, who had a history of epilepsy, might have received a cosmetic anti-ageing injection containing Glutathione and Vitamin C on empty stomach, which was potentially followed by a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest. While the exact cause of death is under investigation, and a post-mortem report is awaited, medical experts across India are cautioning against the use of unregulated anti-ageing therapies. Dr Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains to NDTV, "Although glutathione and Vitamin C are widely used in skin treatments, introducing such compounds in a dehydrated or fasted state can place unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. In rare cases, this can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure, possibly leading to cardiac arrest." He adds, "There is no formal category of 'anti-ageing' drugs approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). Most of these treatments are off-label, experimental, or cosmetic in nature - and lack proper long-term cardiovascular safety data." A quick research showed that the FDA has explicitly warned against the use of glutathione powder intended for dietary supplements to compound sterile injectable drugs due to safety concerns, including reports of adverse events linked to endotoxin contamination in compounded glutathione injections. Moreover, injectable glutathione is also not FDA-approved for skin lightening. In fact, there are no published clinical trials or official guidelines supporting the safety or efficacy of injectable glutathione for skin whitening. Rather, the FDA has highlighted risks such as toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, and potential severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Injectable Vitamin C products are also not FDA-approved for skin lightening. In 2019, the FDA requested all companies to stop distributing unapproved versions of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) injection. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have approved glutathione and Vitamin C injections but only for specific medical indications, not for cosmetic or skin whitening purposes. The Problem With Anti-Ageing Treatments Experts suggest that while glutathione and Vitamin C are not known to directly affect the heart, their impact when used without proper medical context - such as being taken intravenously on an empty stomach or alongside other drugs - can trigger a dangerous cascade, potentially including hypotension and cardiac arrest. And this is not just about glutathione or Vitamin C. It's about a range of anti-ageing drugs. Dr Srinivas Kudva, Interventional Cardiologist at Lilavati Hospital, explains that anti-ageing drugs have gained immense popularity in recent years, driven by a global interest in longevity and the prevention of age-related decline. "These therapies target various biological mechanisms, ranging from hormone modulation (eg, testosterone, growth hormone) to cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function (eg, NAD+ boosters, mTOR inhibitors). While many are designed to enhance cellular resilience and slow biological ageing, their effects on cardiovascular health are not uniformly positive and remain under active investigation," he adds. He explains that these hormonal agents can significantly influence cardiovascular dynamics. "Elevated testosterone or growth hormone levels may increase red blood cell production, elevate blood pressure, and alter lipid metabolism, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of arrhythmias, arterial stiffness, or thrombotic events. Even newer compounds like NAD+ precursors, though marketed for their regenerative properties, may accelerate metabolic activity and place excess strain on the heart, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular vulnerabilities," Dr Kudva says. Women's Hearts At Greater Risk Both globally and in India, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of death in women - surpassing even breast cancer. Dr Ashish Agarwal, Director Of Cardiology At Aakash Healthcare, points out, "CVDs are often overlooked in women. In fact, heart attacks and cardiac arrests kill 10 times more women than breast cancer. One in five Indian women aged 15-49 has untreated hypertension. Early screening is crucial." Adding to this, Dr Subrat Akhoury, Chairman of the Cath Lab and Head of Unit-I at Asian Hospital, says, "Women's heart attack symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. Nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath - these can be mistaken for other issues. Plaque builds up differently in women's arteries, making diagnosis tricky. Emotional stress and depression - which are more common in women - can also raise cardiac risk." He added a stark warning, "It's crucial that patients understand the heart is especially vulnerable to untested hormone-altering anti-ageing drugs. Cardiac arrest can be the first and final symptom." Low Blood Pressure: A Silent Trigger One of the potential complications in Shefali's case could have been a sudden drop in blood pressure - a known trigger for cardiac arrest. Dr Abhijit Khadtare, Cardiologist At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains, "Severe hypotension, or a sudden and steep drop in blood pressure, is a medical emergency. It can deprive vital organs of oxygen, leading to shock - a life-threatening condition." He elaborated that causes of sudden hypotension include: Severe dehydration or blood loss Septic shock from infections Anaphylactic reactions Heart attack or failure "Symptoms like confusion, fainting, rapid weak pulse and cold, sweaty skin should never be ignored. Immediate medical attention is vital to prevent fatal outcomes," Dr Khadtare says. The Need For Supervision According to police sources, Shefali had been taking heavy doses of anti-ageing, multivitamin, and skin whitening medications for many years without any doctor's supervision, indicating this could be a case of self-medication. The Amboli police found a large number of medicines in Shefali's room - in the fridge, drawer, and on the table - including anti-ageing medication like glutathione. Shefali started taking medicines on her own about eight years ago after consulting a doctor once, and continued this without regular monitoring by any current doctor, said sources. Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine and Chief Clinical Strategy for the North India region, warned against the growing trend of self-medication with anti-ageing treatments. "People assume 'natural' or 'anti-ageing' means safe. That's simply not true. Many of these drugs interact with existing medications for blood pressure or diabetes. In older adults, this can be especially dangerous," he says. He stressed that these substances are often sold online, bypassing regulations and quality checks. "We need to treat anti-ageing interventions like any other medical procedure - only under professional guidance. Without proper screening, these so-called youth elixirs can pose serious risks," Dr Gupta concludes. Actress-model Shefali Jariwala's death puts the spotlight back on the rise of self-medication and anti-ageing treatments, with devastating consequences.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Jokowi's health draws attention during birthday celebration
Indonesia's 7th President, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, is seen in this undated photo while reportedly suffering from a skin allergy. - Photo: JAKARTA: Former president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's appearance during his recent birthday celebration has sparked renewed speculation about his health, and whether it played a role in his decision not to enter the race for the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chairmanship. Jokowi marked his 64th birthday on Saturday (June 21) at his private residence in Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Surakarta, Central Java. The celebration drew hundreds of residents, who arrived in the morning with traditional food and local delicacies as tokens of affection for the popular former leader. However, public attention quickly shifted to Jokowi's physical condition. Visible swelling and dark spots on his face, coupled with the brief duration of his visit and his decision not to take photos with guests as he typically does, led many to question whether he was unwell. His aide, Comr. Syarif Fitriansyah, confirmed that Jokowi was recovering from an allergic skin reaction that had caused facial inflammation. 'Visually, we can see there are differences in his appearance, but overall his physical health is fine,' Syarif said on Sunday, reported, assuring that Jokowi's condition has improved in recent days. Concerns over Jokowi's health have simmered for months, fueled by viral clips from recent doorstop interviews in which he appears visibly fatigued and less energetic than usual. Syarif explained previously that Jokowi had an allergic reaction after his trip to the Vatican last April, when he attended Pope Francis' funeral on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto. 'Perhaps the shift in the weather [triggered the condition]. Once he returned and adjusted to the local climate, the symptoms began to show,' Syarif said on June 5, adding that a medical team had treated Jokowi at home. Many have speculated that Jokowi may be suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but potentially life-threatening skin condition. According to the United States' National Library of Medicine, the syndrome affects two to seven people per million annually and can affect anyone with a genetic predisposition, although studies show it is more common in older adults and women. It is characterised by severe skin reactions that can lead to extensive tissue damage. Syarif denied that Jokowi's condition was related to SJS or any autoimmune disease, emphasising that he had not experienced typical symptoms such as fever or itching. The renewed attention to Jokowi's health has come alongside confirmation that he will not run in the upcoming PSI leadership election, despite earlier signs of interest, fueling speculation that his health may have influenced the decision. His youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, who currently serves as PSI chairman, confirmed the news on Saturday, saying it followed a week-long discussion with his father. 'It wouldn't be right for a son and father to compete against each other,' Kaesang told Antara after officially registering to seek another term as party chairman. Jokowi, who is not a member of any political party after being expelled from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has indicated in recent months that he was interested in trying his luck at PSI's leadership race on July 19. The self-proclaimed 'youth party', which is a staunch supporter of Jokowi, has also openly welcomed all potential candidates to register, including national figures like the former two-term president. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Venezuelans in U.S. face heartbreak after travel ban shuts door on family reunification
For Venezuelans in the United States, a new White House proclamation has reopened old wounds and deepened fears that exile in the U.S., once a certain path to safety, will now mean permanent separation from their loved ones. On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced sweeping travel restrictions on nationals from over a dozen countries—including Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti. The order bars entry for most applicants seeking tourist, student and business visas, further narrowing the few remaining legal pathways for families torn apart by dictatorship, displacement and economic collapse. Among the thousands left in anguish is Sasha Escalante, a 44-year-old Venezuelan radio producer living in Miami. In the past year, Escalante has fought to stay alive while battling Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare and severe skin condition that left her hospitalized with rashes resembling second- and third-degree burns covering 75% of her body. Today, she is still recovering—and fighting for the chance to reunite with her elderly parents, whom she hasn't seen in years. Escalante had applied for a humanitarian visa to bring her parents to the U.S. while she was in intensive care fighting for her life. Her parents' previous tourist visas had expired in October 2022. Despite the urgency of her condition, her request was denied. Her parents later secured a tourist visa appointment for this coming August, this time in Madrid, due to the absence of a U.S. embassy in Venezuela. That appointment had offered a faint for reunion. Now, with the travel ban in place, even that hope has all but disappeared. 'Being away from family as a refugee is already painful,' Escalante said. 'But it's even harder when you've come close to death. I don't know what else I can do.' Her father, a retired engineer, was trained in manufacturing and technology in the 1980s in Japan. Over the years, he returned to the U.S. numerous times to update his skills. But under the new travel policy, his decades of professional and personal ties may count for nothing. A former television journalist who fled Venezuela in 2012 after the Hugo Chávez shut down her station, Escalante now works as a content producer at Miami's Actualidad Radio, a Spanish-language station. In addition to her serious health struggles, she is also a mother to a son on the autism spectrum. 'This country gave me refuge,' she said. 'But it is devastating. That appointment was my hope' A community under siege Escalante's story echoes the growing fear and frustration spreading to the nearly one million Venezuelans living in the United States. The new proclamation suspends most immigrant and non-immigrant visas for Venezuelans—affecting tourism (B-1/B-2), students (F and M), and exchange visitors (J), with limited exceptions. While green-card holders and immediate family members of U.S. citizens remain exempt from the travel ban, the practical effect is clear: For countless Venezuelan Americans, family reunification is once again out of reach. Alberto Argüelles, a Venezuelan attorney and longtime asylum seeker in Doral, said he is depressed. Like many, he fled persecution at home only to feel persecuted again in exile. 'We Venezuelans are trapped between two oppressors—one who hunts us at home, and another who now targets us in the U.S.,' he said. Though the Trump administration first included Venezuela in a travel ban in 2017, that version targeted only government officials and their families. The current policy is far broader Beginning June 9, it affects the vast majority of Venezuelan visa seekers, citing concerns over identity verification and Venezuela's refusal to take back deportees from the U.S. Yet data reviewed by the Miami Herald shows that the U.S. has already carried out over 21 deportation flights, returning more than 3,400 Venezuelans since Trump resumed deportations—including 150 people deported just one day after the proclamation was signed. At the same time, approximately 1,500 Venezuelans have voluntarily returned from Mexico through Maduro's Vuelta a la Patria (Return to the Homeland) program. In total, more than 5,000 Venezuelans have returned to their country since Trump took office. A pattern of exclusion The proclamation comes as the U.S. government moves to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, a policy that had shielded more than 600,000 migrants from deportation. More than 350,000 have already lost that protection, with the remainder at risk by September, pending a federal court ruling. Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, condemned the policy as racially motivated and strategically cruel. 'They didn't even try to hide the racism, discrimination, and xenophobia when drawing up this list,' she said. 'The countries affected are all places devastated by war, dictatorship, famine and death.' Even before the new restrictions, Venezuelans were facing high rejection rates for U.S. visas. In 2024, 37.4% of all tourist visa applications were denied, according to the State Department. A Miami Herald analysis shows the average denial rate under President Biden was 33%, compared to 60% during Trump's first term. Despite the high denial rate, demand remains strong. In fiscal year 2025 through April, over 35,500 B1/B2 visas and 205 student visas (F) were issued to Venezuelan nationals. The administration claims the ban is justified due to a 10% overstay rate for Venezuelans—higher than average but not unique. Still, for Venezuelans like Escalante, the numbers pale in comparison to the human cost. Back home, Venezuela's main opposition coalition, Plataforma Unitaria Democrática, has also condemned the new Trump policy. In a statement Thursday, the group called it a measure that 'further aggravates the already complex immigration situation faced by Venezuelans. 'Penalizing individuals based solely on their nationality only increases the suffering of innocent Venezuelans,' the statement read. 'We deserve the support of the free world—not more punishment.' The travel ban was announced shortly after the expiration of Chevron's oil license in Venezuela—a move widely interpreted as a political blow to Maduro's regime. The timing of the ban may also be aimed at deterring a potential new wave of Venezuelan migration, as the U.S. cracks down on immigration. More than 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in recent years, and nearly 1 million now reside in the United States. The consequences of the ban go beyond the U.S. border. In some Latin American countries, a valid U.S. visa is often a gateway to mobility. Countries like Panama now require visas for Venezuelans—but waive them for travelers holding valid U.S. visas. The new ban will likely sever those options as well. And with no U.S. embassy in Caracas and direct flights between the U.S. and Venezuela suspended since 2019, even navigating the application process has long been a logistical and financial burden. Now, the door has been all but slammed shut.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Woman, 24, watched a third of her skin ‘peel and detach' from her body just four days after taking routine NHS drug
Survivors of the condition have described the experience as feeling like they were being 'burned from the inside out' or 'cooked alive,' due to the intense pain and widespread skin loss it triggers SKIN HORROR Woman, 24, watched a third of her skin 'peel and detach' from her body just four days after taking routine NHS drug A YOUNG woman saw nearly a third of her skin peel away in sheets just days after starting a new medication. The 24-year-old had been prescribed lamotrigine, a drug commonly used on the NHS to treat mood disorders and epilepsy. Advertisement 3 The unnamed woman developed Lyell's syndrome, also known as toxic epidermal necrolysis Credit: Cureus 3 It caused the 25-year-old's skin to peel off in sheets Credit: Cureus 3 The skin condition carries with it a mortality rate between 20 and 40 per cent Credit: Cureus But just days after starting the medication to treat her bipolar, she noticed a red rash spreading rapidly across her body. By day four she decided to head to the hospital after the marks started blistering and large areas of skin started falling off. Doctors treating her at Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital in Morocco quickly diagnosed her with Lyell's syndrome, also known as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This is a rare but life-threatening reaction to a medication - which in this case was lamotrigine. But it has also been associated with antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen. Advertisement It happens when the body overreacts to a drug causing the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis, to detach and peel away in sheets, exposing the raw, sensitive tissue beneath. In previous reports survivors of the condition have described the experience as feeling like they were being 'burned from the inside out' or 'cooked alive, due to the intense pain and widespread skin loss it triggers. In worst-case scenarios, it can leave those affected vulnerable to life-threatening complications like sepsis and organ failure - it carries a mortality rate between 20 and 40 per cent. In this case, published as part of a report in the journal Cureus, almost 30 per cent of her body surface area had been affected including her chest, back, arms, and thighs. Advertisement Large sections of skin had already sloughed off by the time she arrived at hospital, leaving painful, exposed areas that had to be treated like serious burns. Doctors also noted that her mucous membranes were involved, meaning the reaction had affected not just her skin but also the inside of her mouth and genitals, a common but dangerous feature of TEN. Charlotte's agony: Surviving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Once admitted, the unidentified woman was transferred to a specialist burns unit, as TEN causes skin damage similar to that seen in people with major burn injuries. "TEN is often described as a severe burn-like skin reaction because it causes widespread epidermal necrosis and detachment similar to that seen in patients with extensive burns," the authors of the report wrote. Advertisement After intensive treatment in the burns unit including wound care, pain relief, and fluid replacement she began to recover. Doctors immediately stopped the lamotrigine to prevent further skin damage and prescribed another medication to manage her bipolar disorder safely. The authors stressed that while TEN is a rare reaction, patients starting drugs like lamotrigine should be monitored closely for early symptoms such as fever, rash, and blistering. "The early recognition and discontinuation of the offending drug is crucial in improving patient outcomes," they concluded. Advertisement
