Woman gets fever, rashes after fourth session of questionable glutathione session

A woman who received shots of glutathione of unknown quality promptly suffered from fever and rashes after four out of the supposed 10 sessions.

According to a report by Cedrick Castillo in 24 Oras on Friday, the victim Melba (not her real name) started to have fever after the third session but was assured that it was a normal reaction.

"Nakita ko po kasi medyo pumusyaw yung kulay niya, nung nag sama sa akin doon. Hindi ko alam kung pang ilang customer niya o ano. Na-engganyo po ako magpaputi," Melba said.

After thick and itchy rashes developed on various parts of her body, Melba decided report the matter to the police.

Malabon City Police officers joined Melba on her fifth session to arrest Sam Jhasmin Lazcano, the person who was giving her the questioned glutathione shots.

"Sinet up natin yung entrapment operation, so this resulted to the arrest of the suspect," Malabon City police chief Jessie Tamayo said.

"'Yung suspect natin... wala yung pangalan niya dun sa database for nurses. Ibig sabihin, she's not supposed to be authorized for practice,"  he added.

Lazcano is facing a complaint for violation of Republic Act 2382 or the Medical Act of 1959.

GMA News tried to get a comment from the suspect but she refused.

Melba paid P4,500 for the 10 sessions.

A dermatologist, meanwhile, reminded Filipinos not to use glutathione for skin whitening.

"The Philippine Dermatological Society is very clear on glutathione not being used solely para mapaputi. Yun ay isang siide-effect,"  Dermatologist Michelle Manuel said.

"Glutathione is being used in other countries, especially those that practices integrative medicine, as a good antioxidant or another way to try and manage, not to say cure, but manage cancers," she added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News