Why medication on an empty stomach can be fatal – Firstpost

Shefali Jariwala’s unexpected passing at the age of 42 came as a shock to most. The Bollywood actress and model, best known as the “Kaanta Laga Girl”, collapsed at home in Mumbai on June 27.

Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai on a Friday night, where she was declared brought dead.

While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, initial reports suggest a suspected cardiac arrest, possibly linked to the combination of medications she had taken while fasting.

While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, the incident has sparked conversations about the risks of consuming medication on an empty stomach, especially when combined with fasting and cosmetic treatments. Here’s what we know

What happens when you take medicines on an empty stomach

Taking medication without food can have serious consequences. When the stomach is empty, its lining is more exposed and sensitive, which means certain medications, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and even some supplements, can cause irritation or worse.

Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, told The Indian Express that taking medicine without food can lead to a number of side effects. “Low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac complications” can occur, she warned, particularly when medications like antihypertensives or heart drugs are involved.

It’s not just about discomfort or nausea. In some cases, the absorption of the medicine is too fast, especially when taken on an empty stomach. This can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure, shivering, fainting spells, or irregular heart activity. These symptoms are even more likely when several medications are taken at once—a condition known as polypharmacy.

Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, noted that when multiple medications or injections are combined, especially without food, the body can become overwhelmed. The effects can be sudden and dangerous.

This appears to align with the events in
Shefali Jariwala
’s case. According to an NDTV report, she was fasting for a puja on the day she collapsed. She had taken an anti-ageing injection earlier in the afternoon and reportedly followed it with her usual medications later that evening—again, all on an empty stomach.

A police official told PTI, “Her blood pressure dropped drastically, and she began shivering, following which family members rushed her to the hospital.”

The hidden risks of supplements & anti-ageing injections

According to police sources, Shefali had been using anti-ageing injections for some time, reportedly under medical supervision. These treatments often include ingredients like glutathione, collagen boosters, or vitamin-based antioxidants, administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Close friend and actor Pooja Ghai told The Indian Express that Shefali had taken a Vitamin C IV drip on the day she died. “It’s a very normal IV. We all take Vitamin C. Some pop it as a tablet, and others opt for a drip. She did take an IV drip that day.”

While these treatments are commonly marketed as wellness or beauty boosters, doctors caution that they aren’t always risk-free, especially during fasting. Without adequate hydration or food, even something as standard as a Vitamin C infusion could put pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Dr Rahul Mehrotra, Chief of Non-Invasive & Clinical Cardiology at Artemis Hospitals, told TOI that high-dose vitamin C (30 g or more via IV) can lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. “This is usually harmless, but if the patient is fasting or dehydrated, the blood pressure can drop dangerously, leading to fainting, dizziness, or worse,” he said.

Dr Ugalmugle added that food acts as a natural buffer. “For many medications, taking them with meals improves tolerability and safety by moderating how quickly they enter the bloodstream.”

What you should keep in mind

• Always follow medical guidance
  Consult a doctor before starting any medication, supplement, or cosmetic treatment, especially injections like vitamin C or glutathione

• Never take medication on an empty stomach
  Without food, absorption and effects can be unpredictable. Always read labels and check whether a light snack or meal is needed.

• Be cautious with supplements
  Supplements and cosmetic injections can have a potent effect. Long-term or unsupervised use can be risky, so consult a healthcare practitioner.

• Know your health risks
  People with heart conditions, hypertension, or fainting history should be particularly careful with fasting, medications, or cosmetic therapies.

With input from agencies