Efficacy of intravenous glutathione vs. placebo for skin tone lightening

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and possible side effects of intravenous glutathione used for lightening the skin tone. Methods This placebo-controlled study was conducted in department of dermatology, City Hospital, Multan from January 2014 to August 2015. Out of 50 enrolled patients 32 patients completed the study. All patients were females with age ranging from 25 to 47 years. In group A, 8 patients had deranged liver function tests and one patient who developed anaphylactic shock were excluded from study along with their controls from group B. Final results were concluded in only those patients who completed the study. 32 patients were treated in two groups (A u0026 B). In group A 16 patients were given intravenous glutathione and vitamin C. Patients in group B were given intravenous normal saline as placebo. Taylor hyperpigmentation scale was used to measure the skin tone. Two body sites, which were non-exposed to sun, were measured with Taylor hyperpigmentation cards. Injection GSH Detox forte 1200 mg (aqua, glutathione 1200 mg, ascorbic acid, hydrolyzed collagen 35 mg and sodium chloride) was given. Two injections per week for 6 weeks (total of 12 injections) were given. The effectiveness and side effects were assessed at the end of therapy and 2 months, 4 months and 6 months after cessation of treatment. Results After 12 injections of glutathione, 6 of 16 (37.5%) subjects showed significant improvement, whereas 3 (18.7%) subjects improved with placebo (p = 0.054). After stopping the treatment, this improvement was gradually lost and at six-month posttreatment follow-up only one patient maintained this improvement. Adverse effects were noted in all subjects. Severe adverse effects warranting discontinuation of treatment were deranged liver function tests (n=8) and patient anaphylaxis (n=1). Conclusion Glutathione is not very effective for skin tone lightening; moreover treatment loses its efficacy with time. The side effects of the treatment are common.