Shefali Jariwala's death: Can anti-aging medicines prove fatal?

Shefali Jariwala's death: Can anti-aging medicines prove fatal?

The sudden demise of actor-model Shefali Jariwala (42) has sparked questions about the possible role of an anti-aging injection in her death.

On Friday, despite observing a fast for a puja, Jariwala took her monthly anti-aging injection.

Later that night, her health deteriorated rapidly.

Despite being rushed to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital, she was declared dead upon arrival.

Jariwala's death has now brought anti-aging treatments and their possible risks to the spotlight.

Jariwala's health deteriorated after the pills, injection

According to police sources, Jariwala had taken her usual pills and injection on Friday.

Her health reportedly deteriorated soon after, with symptoms like shivering and a drastic drop in blood pressure.

The forensic team has seized her medicines and the alleged injection from her Oshiwara residence for investigation.

Anti-aging treatments usually work differently for everyone

Per Add Life, "Anti-aging medicine is a branch of medical science that focuses on slowing down, preventing, or reversing the aging process."

"This field of medicine utilizes various approaches, including lifestyle changes, hormone therapies, cellular and genetic therapies, and nutritional supplementation, among others. The effectiveness of anti-aging medicine varies from person to person."

Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy, telomerase activators, and antioxidants and supplements, among others.

Hormonal injections can affect heart function

Hormonal injections, such as steroids, growth hormone, and testosterone, can affect heart function, blood pressure levels, and cause arrhythmias, reported Business Today.

These side effects can lead to sudden cardiac arrest if the drugs are taken on an empty stomach or mixed with other medications.

Peptide-based anti-aging injections have no long-term safety data

Peptide-based anti-aging injections, marketed as safer alternatives, are also under scrutiny.

These injections have no long-term safety data, particularly concerning their effects on cardiovascular health.

Some of these compounds can affect metabolic or autonomic regulation, which can impact heart rhythm and pressure.

Additionally, per HubMed, "Peptide products with heavy or occlusive bases may clog pores in acne-prone skin, leading to breakouts."

Polypharmacy increases risk of adverse cardiac events

Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, as reportedly happened in Jariwala's case, can further increase the risk of adverse cardiac events.

Cardiologist Dr Dhirendra Singhania told NDTV, "Anti-aging therapies do not have serious side effects, but if she also took any hormonal therapy, that might have carried some side effects."

Jariwala's treatment reportedly included use of Glutathione

Per a report by Firstpost, Jariwala's treatment involved the use of Vitamin C and a drug called Glutathione.

WebMD says, "Glutathione plays a role in many chemical reactions in your body. It also helps detoxify chemicals, including some that your body creates naturally, as well as pollutants and drugs."

"Taking glutathione long-term has been linked to lower zinc levels. Inhaled glutathione may trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma."

ADR registered in the case

The police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in light of the circumstances surrounding Jariwala's sudden demise.

A police officer said, "The autopsy has been done, but the opinion on the cause of death has been reserved." "Based on preliminary information, it appears to be a natural death, and there was no foul play."

Her last rites were performed on Saturday at the Oshiwara crematorium.

Jariwala shot to fame with Kaanta Laga and later participated in Bigg Boss 13.