Pharmacy Recalls Glutathione Injections Nationwide Over Contamination Concerns

Pharmacy testing detected elevated levels of bacterial endotoxin in the injectable product, which triggered the recall.

Published: 8/21/2026, 3:36:26 PM EDT

Pharmacy Recalls Glutathione Injections Nationwide Over Contamination Concerns — Compounded Glutathione 200 MG/ML 30 ML Multi-Dose Vials recalled

A Houston-based compounding pharmacy has pulled a batch of injectable glutathione from the market after in-house testing turned up dangerous bacterial toxins, with the product having reached patients across 14 states.

Optimal Balance Pharmacy announced Aug. 19 that it is voluntarily recalling one lot of its compounded Glutathione 200 MG/ML 30 ML Multi-Dose Vials down to the patient level. The recalled lot, numbered LG342009076, carries an expiration date of Oct. 4, according to the announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Aug. 20.

Pharmacy testing detected elevated levels of bacterial endotoxin in the injectable product, which triggered the recall. Endotoxins are toxic fragments shed from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and they can trigger fever, dangerously low blood pressure, organ failure and death even in extremely small amounts, according to information from BMG Labtech, a German manufacturer of laboratory testing equipment. As little as 1 milligram of intravenous endotoxin exposure can be lethal. Unlike live bacteria, the toxins cannot be neutralized by boiling or standard sterilization methods, though chemical agents like hypochlorite and peroxide can break them down.

Glutathione injections are marketed to patients to combat cellular damage, strengthen the immune system, and help the liver clear out toxins, according to the pharmacy.

The company said it has already fielded reports of people getting sick after using the product. "To date, Optimal Balance Pharmacy has received reports of adverse events including fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, pain, and symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction," the company said.

The recalled vials were shipped to patients in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

What Patients Should Do

Optimal Balance Pharmacy said it is reaching out directly to prescribers and patients by phone and mail to arrange the return and disposal of affected vials. Anyone holding the recalled product should immediately stop using it and set it aside, the company said. Patients and prescribers who already paid for the recalled vials are eligible for a full refund if they have not already been reimbursed. Anyone who used the product and experienced symptoms is urged to contact their prescribing physician.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Optimal Balance Pharmacy at (218) 919-2964, available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Adverse reactions or quality issues tied to the product can also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch program online, by mail or by fax. The FDA said it is aware of and monitoring the recall.