The sudden death of actress Shefali Jariwala on June 27 has reignited concerns about the safety of anti‑aging treatments, especially injectables taken without appropriate medical supervision.
The Circumstances:
Police reports and initial medical investigations suggest Jariwala, 42, had been fasting for a religious puja, and later consumed her routine medications alongside an anti‑aging injection containing glutathione and vitamin C. Shortly afterward, witnesses reported she began shivering before collapsing, with experts proposing a sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension) triggered cardiac arrest
What Are These “Anti‑Aging” Treatments?
Anti‑aging medicines encompass a broad range of products—from cosmetic injectables like glutathione and vitamin C, to hormones, peptides, and supplements. Most are administered off‑label for skin whitening or rejuvenation and lack rigorous, long-term clinical data supporting safety, especially for intravenous use.
Medical Expert Warnings:
Cardiologists caution that unregulated anti‑aging therapies can destabilize the cardiovascular system. These injections may precipitate significant blood pressure drops or arrhythmias. Dermatologists and regulatory agencies emphasize that many such products are dispensed in non-medical settings with questionable quality control.
According to specialists, the term “anti‑aging” is misleading—most of these substances are neither approved nor regulated as medicines. Glutathione injections, for instance, are not approved by major agencies like the FDA or CDSCO for cosmetic purposes. Experts argue that widespread use without medical supervision amounts to gambling with health.
This high-profile death underscores a larger trend: aesthetic medicine’s rapid expansion, often ahead of public understanding or safety standards. Promoters of these treatments claim anti-aging benefits, yet evidence remains limited and anecdotal .
While a definitive cause of Jariwala’s death awaits the autopsy, doctors urge caution. The combination of fasting, home-administered injectables, and self-medication may have been fatal. Experts advise that all anti-aging treatments—especially injectables—should be overseen by qualified medical professionals with clear understanding of dosage, contraindications, and cardiovascular impact.
