Anti-ageing or life-threatening? What experts say after Shefali Jariwala’s death

Experts warn of the rising popularity of these largely unstudied products, citing potential harmful side effects, especially from intravenous injections bypassing natural bodily protections

The sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala has sparked fresh debate over the safety and regulation of anti-ageing medicines in India.

The 42-year-old, who shot to fame with the 2002 music video Kaanta Laga, passed away on June 27 in Mumbai, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.

However, emerging reports suggest she had been self-administering a combination of anti-ageing injections while fasting, raising serious concerns about the unregulated use of such treatments.

What are anti-ageing medicines and are they regulated?

Experts have warned that while anti-ageing treatments are becoming increasingly popular, many products in the market are not backed by proper scientific studies and remain largely unregulated.

“Anti-ageing medicine is becoming very popular but it’s mostly unregulated. Many of these products are sold without proper scientific studies to prove they work. Some may even have harmful side effects, especially if taken for long periods,” said former AIIMS Director, Dr Randeep Guleria, in a statement.

Is ‘anti-ageing’ even a scientific term?

Medical professionals also stress that the term ‘anti-ageing’ itself is misleading.

“Anti-ageing is not a scientific term. Such products do not reverse or stop natural ageing. Skin whitening is possible with certain medications, but that is not the same as anti-ageing,” said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA.

What was Shefali Jariwala using?

Reports from the ongoing police investigation suggest that Shefali had been using skin-whitening and anti-ageing injections, particularly glutathione and Vitamin C, for around eight years. Importantly, she was not under active medical supervision during this period, aside from an initial consultation.

Dr Jayadevan explaining the dangers of this approach said, “When a medication is given as an IV injection, it bypasses the natural protection offered by gut absorption and liver metabolism. Thus, the drug may reach very high concentrations in blood and tissues.”

He further warned, “IV medications must be carefully regulated and contamination avoided at all costs.”

Are these injections safe?

According to Dr Jayadevan, there have been international incidents highlighting the risks.

“There are reports from Australia and Philippines about contamination of IV glutathione vials with toxins and also serious side effects of such products,” he added.

Why are these products still popular?

India is witnessing a cosmetic boom, fuelled by rising aspirations and social media influence. According to the latest ISAPS Global Survey, India ranks among the top 10 countries globally for aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, behind only the US, Brazil, and Japan.

However, this rapid rise is not without consequence.

Should these medicines be banned?

Experts believe regulation is the need of the hour and that banning harmful products should not be ruled out.

“There is definitely a need to regulate such medicines. If there’s no proper evidence about their safety or usefulness, and they are found to be harmful, then yes — they should be banned,” said Dr Guleria. “The same applies to other medicines, like muscle-building drugs that are often misused.”

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