Actress Shefali Jariwala’s cardiac arrest has raised concerns about anti-ageing treatments like IV glutathione and Botox. Discover their benefits, risks, and safety guidelines to make informed choices in this trending 2025 health update.
A Wake-Up Call for Anti-Ageing Enthusiasts
On June 27, 2025, the sudden death of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, known for her iconic 2002 hit Kaanta Laga, sent shockwaves through India’s entertainment industry and beyond.
The 42-year-old reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest, with initial investigations pointing to her use of anti-ageing treatments, including intravenous (IV) glutathione and other supplements, possibly taken on an empty stomach.
This tragedy, widely discussed on platforms like X and reported by outlets like Khabargaon, has ignited a critical conversation about the safety of popular anti-ageing therapies like glutathione injections, Botox, and NAD drips.
As social media fuels the obsession with youthful looks, these treatments are trending among urbanites and celebrities, but at what cost?
For readers who follow daily news and seek timeless health insights, this article explores the risks, benefits, and expert-recommended safety measures for anti-ageing treatments, ensuring you stay informed and safe.
The Dangers of Anti-Ageing Treatments
Shefali Jariwala’s untimely death has spotlighted the potential hazards of anti-ageing therapies, particularly when used without medical oversight. Here are the main highlights driving the conversation:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shefali Jariwala, 42, died of suspected cardiac arrest on June 27, 2025, linked to self-administered anti-ageing treatments like IV glutathione. |
| Treatments Involved | Glutathione injections, Vitamin C drips, and acidity pills found at her residence; she reportedly fasted before taking a glutathione dose. |
| Risks | IV glutathione can cause low blood pressure, allergic reactions, and kidney damage; Botox risks include paralysis and botulism if mishandled. |
| Expert Warnings | Doctors stress medical supervision, proper dosing, and avoiding treatments during fasting or without cardiac screening. |
| Social Media Impact | Influencers and celebrities promote unregulated treatments, fueling demand and misinformation, as noted on X. |
These points, drawn from sources like Indian Express and News18, underscore the urgency of understanding the risks behind the pursuit of youth.
What Are Glutathione and Botox? A Closer Look
To navigate the hype and hazards, let’s break down the two treatments at the center of this controversy:
Glutathione Injections
- What It Is: Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant made of three amino acids (cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid), produced by the liver. It neutralizes free radicals, supports detoxification, and boosts immunity.
- Cosmetic Use: Marketed for skin whitening and anti-ageing, IV glutathione reduces melanin production, promising brighter, smoother skin. It’s popular in beauty clinics, often combined with Vitamin C.
- Risks:
- Cardiovascular Issues: High doses or rapid IV administration can cause vasodilation, leading to low blood pressure or arrhythmias, especially in those with undiagnosed heart conditions.
- Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, is a rare but serious risk, particularly if administered on an empty stomach.
- Kidney and Liver Damage: Unregulated doses may lead to toxicity, as warned by the US FDA and Philippines FDA.
- Lack of Approval: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and US FDA do not approve glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening due to insufficient long-term safety data.
- Dosage Guidelines: Experts like Dr. Anup Dhir recommend 10–20 mg/kg body weight for IV use in medical conditions (e.g., chemotherapy support), not cosmetic purposes.
Botox Injections
- What It Is: Botox, a brand of botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles and treat medical conditions like migraines or hyperhidrosis.
- Cosmetic Use: Popular for smoothing facial lines, Botox is increasingly used by younger people (20s–30s) for “preventive” anti-ageing.
- Risks:
- Botulism: Mishandled or counterfeit Botox can cause muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties, or death, as seen in a 2024 US CDC report of 22 women affected by fake Botox.
- Skin Damage: Incorrect injections may lead to necrosis (skin death) or blindness if blood vessels are blocked.
- Untrained Administration: Salons or unqualified practitioners increase risks, as noted by Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj.
- Safe Use: Only licensed dermatologists or plastic surgeons in medical settings should administer Botox, with strict adherence to approved facial areas.
These treatments, while effective when used correctly, carry significant risks without proper oversight, as highlighted by Times of India and CNBC TV18.
Shefali Jariwala’s Tragedy: What Happened?
On the night of June 27, 2025, Shefali Jariwala collapsed at her Mumbai residence and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Mumbai Police found glutathione vials, Vitamin C injections, and acidity pills at her home, suggesting self-medication with anti-ageing treatments.
Reports indicate she had been using these for 5–8 years, often fasting before IV drips, which may have triggered a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest.
While the exact cause awaits forensic confirmation, experts like Dr. Sameer Gupta emphasize that pre-existing conditions, lifestyle factors, or improper administration could have contributed.
The incident, covered by NDTV and India Today, has sparked a debate about the dangers of unregulated cosmetic treatments.
Why Are These Treatments So Popular?
The rise of anti-ageing treatments like glutathione and Botox is driven by:
- Social Media Pressure: Influencers and celebrities, as noted by Dr. Shankar Sawant, promote instant results, fueling demand for “glowing” skin and youth.
- Celebrity Endorsements: Figures like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian have popularized glutathione, while Bollywood stars drive NAD and Botox trends.
- Cultural Obsession: India’s beauty standards increasingly prioritize fair, youthful skin, pushing urbanites toward IV drips and injectables.
- Accessibility: Clinics and salons offer glutathione injections for ₹4,800–₹8,000 per session, making them seemingly affordable but often unregulated.
Posts on X, like @11GoGetter11’s warning—“Glutathione & anti-aging injections can kill you!”—reflect growing public concern about these trends.
Expert Warnings: The Risks Outweigh the Glamour
Medical professionals are sounding alarms about the dangers of unsupervised treatments:
- Dr. Anup Dhir (Cosmetic Surgeon): “IV glutathione is not approved for cosmetic use. Risks include allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and kidney injury.”
- Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj (Dermatologist): “Fasting before IV drips can trigger anaphylaxis. Botox must be administered by trained professionals to avoid paralysis or necrosis.”
- Dr. Kashish Kalra (Max Hospital): “Glutathione is safe in controlled doses, but high doses or home administration can cause severe allergic reactions.”
- Dr. Shankar Sawant (SL Raheja Hospital): “High doses of glutathione (3–4 times normal) for skin whitening can affect the cardiovascular system.”
A 2022 Cureus study warns of anaphylaxis and hepatotoxicity from IV glutathione, emphasizing the need for standardized dosing and medical supervision.
Evergreen Safety Guidelines for Anti-Ageing Treatments
To ensure this article remains a valuable resource beyond 2025, here are timeless guidelines for safe cosmetic treatments:
- Consult a Specialist: Only dermatologists or plastic surgeons should administer IV glutathione or Botox. Avoid salons or untrained practitioners.
- Check Credentials: Verify the clinic’s licensing and the product’s authenticity (e.g., FDA-approved Botox).
- Pre-Treatment Screening: Undergo cardiac and kidney function tests before IV therapies, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
- Avoid Fasting: Eat a balanced meal before IV drips to prevent low blood pressure or allergic reactions.
- Follow Dosage Protocols: Stick to 10–20 mg/kg for IV glutathione and limit Botox to approved facial areas.
- Monitor Side Effects: Watch for symptoms like dizziness, swelling, or breathing issues post-treatment and seek immediate medical help.
- Embrace Natural Alternatives: Opt for a healthy diet, exercise, hydration, and sleep, as advocated by Mallika Sherawat and Kareena Kapoor.
These guidelines, relevant for years to come, empower readers to make informed choices.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Regulation
Shefali Jariwala’s death highlights the need for stricter oversight in India’s cosmetic industry:
- Unregulated Clinics: Many salons and small clinics offer IV drips without medical supervision, increasing risks.
- Online Misinformation: Social media and influencers promote unverified products like NMN and quercetin, lacking human studies.
- Lack of Approval: CDSCO’s non-approval of glutathione for skin whitening underscores the need for regulatory clarity.
- Global Warnings: The US CDC and Philippines FDA have flagged risks of fake Botox and IV glutathione, urging caution.
As Dr. Vichitra Sharma notes, “Treatments must be tailored to individual health profiles, not driven by trends.”
Celebrity Reactions: A Shift Toward Natural Beauty
The tragedy has prompted celebrities like Mallika Sherawat and Kareena Kapoor to advocate for natural beauty:
- Mallika Sherawat: In a viral video, she urged fans to “say no to Botox and fillers,” promoting clean eating, exercise, and sleep.
- Kareena Kapoor: Rejecting Botox, she emphasized “self-preservation” through natural therapies, sparking praise on X.
These voices, amplified by posts like @Adambeazar’s—“Aging is inevitable. Stop risking your life!”—signal a growing push for authenticity over artificial enhancements.
Beauty Shouldn’t Cost Your Life
Shefali Jariwala’s tragic death on June 27, 2025, serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of youth can come with deadly consequences.
Glutathione injections and Botox, while popular for their anti-ageing and skin-brightening effects, carry risks like cardiac arrest, allergic reactions, and organ damage when used without medical oversight. For readers who follow trending news, this story is a wake-up call to prioritize safety over beauty fads.
By consulting qualified professionals, adhering to dosage guidelines, and embracing natural wellness, you can achieve radiant health without compromising your life.
As India’s cosmetic industry grows, stricter regulations and informed choices are crucial. Stay updated on this evolving story via platforms like X, and let Shefali’s loss inspire a safer approach to beauty in 2025 and beyond.
