Glutathione is a tripeptide (containing 3 amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine) naturally made in human cells that functions as a powerful antioxidant. It plays an important role in detoxification. In compounding, Glutathione may be prepared as an injectable formulation when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
What about oral supplementation?
Glutathione is available in oral supplement form but has less than 1% bioavailability. Being a peptide, Glutathione is prone to enzymatic degradation and poor gastrointestinal absorption. Some providers may prescribe compounded Glutathione injections when they determine that an injectable route is more appropriate for an individual patient’s needs.
Potential Side Effects
While there are no large randomized controlled studies, some common side effects reported include injection-site reactions (pain, erythema, swelling), headache, nausea, diarrhea, and rare hypersensitivity reactions. Glutathione may reduce melanin production, which could result in lightening of the skin. Providers should assess patient tolerance and discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.
Contraindications and precautions: Use caution in patients with a history of asthma, sulfite sensitivity, or known allergy to glutathione or any formulation components. Safety data for injectable glutathione during pregnancy and lactation are limited; therefore, use should be avoided in these populations.
Quality And Compliance Standards
Injectable glutathione is not FDA-approved for any indication. When used, it is typically obtained from a compounding pharmacy and prescribed for off-label use.
Administration should occur only under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional with appropriate patient evaluation, documentation, and informed consent.
Guidelines For Clinical Practice
Glutathione is primarily produced in the liver, with smaller amounts synthesized in other cells throughout the body. Supplementation can be administered either orally or by injection. Glutathione has poor oral bioavailability, which may lead some individuals to prefer compounded injectable forms.
Dosing Protocols
There are no approved dosages or regimens for using Glutathione, but the following are common dose ranges:
Subcutaneous Glutathione:
- Typical range: 100–400 mg per dose
- Frequency: 1–3 times per week
Intramuscular Glutathione:
- Typical range: 200–600 mg per dose
- Frequency: 1–3 times per week
- Some clinicians may use up to ~1,000mg, depending on indication and patient tolerance
Product Specifications And Handling
- Strength and form: Glutathione 200mg/ml injection solution
- Vial size: 30ml
- Route of administration: SQ (subcutaneous) or IM (intramuscular)
Proper Storage And Beyond-Use Date
Injectable Glutathione should be stored in the fridge from 36°F to 46°F. It will have a beyond-use date of approximately one month after the patient receives it and should be used within 28 days after the first vial puncture.
Pricing For Your Practice
Glutathione is not likely to be covered by insurance plans. Injectable Glutathione is compounded from a bulk drug powder, which is often excluded from most insurance’s prescription drug plans.
How does Medivera Support Care?
Medivera Compounding Pharmacy has a staff of trained pharmacists eager to discuss Glutathione or any other medications with you or your staff. They can address any questions you may have regarding dosing, storage, shipping, or any other matter you need assistance with.
Coordinated Prescription Fulfillment And Patient Care
Our pharmacy takes pride in providing excellent customer service. When we receive a prescription, our pharmacy team will contact the patient to arrange pick-up or delivery and have a pharmacist discuss the use of each medication. You can count on Medivera to accurately and quickly take care of your patients’ needs.
Discover How We Can Support Your Patients
Our team is ready to help with any questions you may have on starting your patients on Glutathione or any other medication. We can also help in transitioning patients over from different pharmacies. Contact us today to address your questions and help your patients begin their journey to improved health.
Disclaimer: Glutathione is a custom-compounded drug product. Compounded medications are prepared at the direction of a healthcare provider and are not approved by the FDA.
This document is provided as a response to solicited questions about the use of Glutathione.