Mariel apologizes: It’s vitamin C drip, not glutathione

MANILA, Philippines —  Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s actress-wife Mariel Rodriguez has apologized for turning the senator’s office into a health clinic, but clarified that she received a vitamin C drip and not whitening glutathione, as earlier reported.

Rodriguez released a statement through the senator asking for understanding from “all concerned, including members and staff of the Senate and the public.”

She clarified that it was never her intention to “malign nor undermine the integrity and dignity of the Senate.”

“I was at the Senate to show support for my husband’s bill. Despite my busy schedule as a wife, mother and online seller, I wanted to be there with him since his work is very important to him,” she said.

The host-actress drew criticism online after conducting an IV drip at Padilla’s Senate office.

In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Rodriguez shared photos of herself conducting intravenous infusion at the senator’s office while waiting for session to begin.

“To clarify, I received a vitamin C drip, not glutathione, under the medical supervision of a professional nurse. Having mentioned this, my intent was just to inspire others that even amidst various activities or wherever they are, they can still prioritize their health by taking vitamins,” Rodriguez said.

“I want to extend my sincerest apologies… We uphold the Senate’s dignity and integrity. Thank you for your understanding,” she added.

Gluta drips are said to help avoid chronic illnesses, slow down aging, improve athletic ability and clean one’s liver by having nutrients and hydration delivered directly into the bloodstream.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, recently noted some of its harmful effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved it as a treatment for advanced cancer patients – and even these patients need a doctor’s prescription.

Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the Senate ethics committee, said there is a need to look into the matter.

“I’m not sure if the ethics committee can extend its jurisdiction over this incident, since Ms. Mariel is not a member of the Senate. But we also need to closely look into it because it involves issues of conduct, integrity and reputation of the institution and matters that concern health and safety,” Binay said.

Earlier this week, Rodriguez was present to witness the Senate passing on third reading the Eddie Garcia Bill, co-authored by her husband, which calls for improved safety measures in the film, television and radio industry.

DOH: Sue doctors

Meanwhile, the DOH has advised those who were prescribed to use injectable glutathione for the wrong purpose to take legal action against the doctors.

“For the next steps to take should you think that injectable glutathione was wrongly prescribed for you by a physician, please consult a practicing lawyer or the Public Attorney’s Office for legal advice on matters such as medical negligence and what may be done in the interest of justice,” the DOH said in a statement issued Saturday evening, after television personality Rodriguez drew flak from netizens for receiving her IV drip inside Padilla’s Senate office.

The agency stressed that it does not support the use of glutathione for skin whitening.

Citing an FDA circular, the DOH said that no published clinical trials have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening.

It further noted that there are also no published guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment.

The FDA only approved the use of injectable glutathione as an “adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy,” according to the DOH.

The health department stressed that the FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening.

“Once the FDA approves a prescription drug for entry into the Philippine market, neither the DOH itself nor the FDA can regulate the practice of doctors who will be prescribing those drugs for their patients,” the DOH explained–  Mayen Jaymalin