Glutathione Injection

Medication Description

Glutathione Injection – Clear to slightly yellow liquid solution (concentration and dose will vary per your prescription)

Drug Forms: Compounded Injectable Solution

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a tripeptide (composed of cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine) produced naturally in the body. It functions as a key intracellular antioxidant, helping neutralize free radicals and support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

• Allergy to Glutathione, sulfites, or any additive
• History of asthma or reactive airway disease
• History of liver or kidney disease
• History of G6PD deficiency
• Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding

How should I use this medicine?

Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

• Visually inspect the vial, making sure not to use it if it’s cloudy or contains any particulates.
• Let the vial warm to room temperature before injecting.
• Wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Wipe the rubber stopper on top of the vial with an alcohol wipe. Draw the correct dose into the syringe.
• Pinch the skin at your chosen injection site, making sure to rotate injection sites (commonly the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
• Insert the needle at the angle indicated by your prescriber for your injection type.
• Inject slowly and steadily, then remove the needle.
• Dispose of all used needles and syringes immediately in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Visit safeneedledisposal.org to find a drop-off location.

What if I miss a dose?

• If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or chest tightness
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Gradual lightening of skin tone with long-term use — discuss any cosmetic concerns with your provider

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

• Injection site pain, redness or swelling
• Mild nausea or abdominal cramping/bloating
• Headache

What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?

Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, rash, swelling, bronchospasm, or trouble breathing
• Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or significant abdominal pain
• Persistent or severe injection site reaction

You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Glutathione, sulfites, or any component of the formulation. Use with caution in patients with asthma/reactive airway disease or significant hepatic or renal impairment.

What may interact with this medicine?

• No major drug interactions are well established; however, inform your provider of all medications and supplements you take
• Use with caution alongside chemotherapy agents — discuss with your oncology provider before use

This is not a complete list of all possible interactions. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially before starting or stopping any new medication.

Additional Information

• Store medication under refrigeration (36–46°F) and protect from light.
• Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date or Beyond Use Date on your label. Discard remainder of vial per your pharmacy label instructions after first puncture.
• If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.

Reporting Side Effects

If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You can report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.