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Important Safety Information
Glutathione injections
Read this before starting treatment. It is a summary of the most important safety information, not a complete list.
Last updated 13 August 2026
Off-label use notice
Injectable glutathione is not FDA-approved for any indication. Its use for detoxification, oxidative stress, immune support, skin clarity or general wellness is off-label and not supported by FDA review. No outcome is promised or guaranteed. DonoMed does not prescribe glutathione for skin lightening.
About compounded medication. The medication described here is prepared for an individual patient by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy. It is not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness, and the FDA does not review compounded preparations for quality, strength or purity before they are dispensed. In 2016 the FDA warned about compounded injectable glutathione products after reports of serious reactions tied to unregulated sourcing — which is why yours is dispensed only by a US state-licensed pharmacy against an individual prescription.
What this is
Glutathione is a tripeptide built from three amino acids — cysteine, glycine and glutamine. It is the body's principal intracellular antioxidant and is used heavily by the liver in the pathways that process and clear compounds. Because oral glutathione is largely broken down during digestion, it is commonly given by injection. DonoMed prescribes it as a subcutaneous injection on a simple guided schedule, after a licensed provider reviews your health history.
Tell your provider before starting if you
- Have asthma — inhaled and injected glutathione have been associated with bronchospasm and wheezing in people with asthma. This is the most important precaution.
- Have a known sulfur or sulfite sensitivity, or have reacted to N-acetylcysteine.
- Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — safety has not been established.
- Have kidney or liver disease.
- Are receiving chemotherapy — antioxidants may interact with some cancer treatments, and this must be coordinated with your oncologist.
- Take any other prescription medication or supplement.
Common side effects
Injection-site pain, redness or swelling. Nausea, abdominal cramping, or headache. A temporary feeling of warmth or flushing.
Serious side effects — stop and seek care
- Serious allergic reaction. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash. Call 911.
- Wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, particularly if you have asthma.
- Signs of injection-site infection. Spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever.
An important caution
Skin lightening has been reported with prolonged use of injectable glutathione, and unregulated products marketed for that purpose have been linked to serious harm. DonoMed prescribes glutathione for antioxidant and detoxification support only. Tell your provider if you notice changes in skin pigmentation.
Storage and handling
Store as instructed on your label, protected from light, and out of reach of children. Do not use after the beyond-use date. Never share your medication, needles or syringes. Dispose of used needles in an approved sharps container.
This summary is not complete
The information above is a summary and does not list every possible risk, interaction or side effect. Discuss your full health history and all medications and supplements you take with your provider before starting treatment.
Reporting a problem
Tell your provider about any side effect. You can also report side effects directly to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.