The IV 'Detox' Drip Made From Powder Graded for Pills
More than 30 people across four states were poisoned by bacterial toxins after receiving intravenous drips at wellness clinics, according to the CDC and the FDA. The drips contained glutathione, which is sold — without evidence — for purposes including detoxification, immune support, increased energy and skin brightening. The specific failure is a grading problem. Compounding pharmacies made these IV products from glutathione powders graded for dietary supplements taken orally. A powder intended to be swallowed is not automatically fit to be injected.
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The mismatch is much of the story: powder graded for oral supplements and product graded for sterile injection are held to different standards of purity.
There are no FDA-approved glutathione products in the US, and clinics have been offering it in drips anyway — a supplement claim delivered straight into a vein.