A family in Hermosillo, Sonora, is demanding answers after the death of 22-year-old Zahid Alberto Castro Lagarda, marking the fifth reported fatality linked to “vitamin serums” administered by the same medical practitioner. The case has ignited a broader conversation about the regulation of aesthetic clinics and the risks associated with intravenous wellness treatments.
Zahid passed away on March 30, just two days after receiving a vitamin infusion at his home. According to his mother, Zulema Yasmin, the young man sought the treatment to alleviate a hangover. What began as a routine wellness request quickly escalated into a medical crisis that claimed his life, following a pattern of sudden illness and organ failure seen in four other patients.
As a physician, I have seen the rise of “wellness drips” in urban centers—treatments often marketed as quick fixes for fatigue or recovery. However, when these procedures are performed outside of strict sterile environments or with unregulated substances, the risks shift from negligible to lethal. The reported muertes por suero vitaminado en Hermosillo highlight a critical gap in the oversight of non-invasive aesthetic medicine.
A Rapid Decline: The Case of Zahid Castro
The timeline of Zahid’s decline was abrupt. Hours after the infusion, he experienced severe dizziness and vomiting before fainting in his bathroom. His mother recounted a harrowing scene in which Zahid began to bleed internally, a symptom that suggests a catastrophic systemic reaction.
While he was initially admitted to the Hospital General and diagnosed with dehydration, his condition deteriorated sharply after discharge. He was readmitted during the early hours of the following morning with severe hemorrhaging, followed by acute hepatic and renal failure. According to the death certificate, the final causes of death were respiratory insufficiency, multiple organ failure and septic shock.
Septic shock is a medical emergency where the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues. In the context of intravenous therapy, this is often caused by the introduction of bacteria or contaminants directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the body’s primary defenses.
A Pattern of Fatalities in Sonora
Zahid is not the only victim. Families of several other patients have pointed to the same source: treatments associated with Dr. Jesús Maximiano. The victims include a father and son, Jesús Héctor Almeida Flores and Sebastián Almeida Cáñez, who were buried on April 1. Another woman, Catalina Figueroa, died on April 2. her family noted she was previously healthy but sought the treatment to combat general fatigue.
The earliest reported death in this cluster was Dinora Ontiveros, 40, who passed away on March 2. A relative of Ontiveros also suffered adverse effects but managed to survive.
| Patient | Date of Death | Reported Reason for Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Dinora Ontiveros | March 2 | Not specified |
| Zahid Alberto Castro Lagarda | March 30 | Hangover relief |
| Jesús Héctor Almeida Flores | Prior to April 1 | Not specified |
| Sebastián Almeida Cáñez | Prior to April 1 | Not specified |
| Catalina Figueroa | April 2 | General fatigue |
The Practice of ‘Homotoxicology’ and Aesthetic Medicine
Dr. Jesús Maximiano is listed on the portal Multiestetica.mx as an aesthetic physician specializing in “cutting-edge non-invasive procedures.” His listed expertise includes treating obesity and metabolic diseases, as well as a practice known as homotoxicology.
Homotoxicology is a branch of biological medicine that utilizes homeopathic bioregulating medications. While proponents claim it balances the body’s toxins, it is not a standard of care in evidence-based clinical medicine. The intersection of aesthetic goals—such as weight loss or “detoxification”—and invasive IV delivery systems creates a high-risk environment if the practitioner lacks rigorous training in critical care and sterile technique.
The marketing of these services often emphasizes “diplomas” and “professional trajectory,” but the clinical outcomes in Hermosillo suggest a failure in patient safety protocols. In any clinical setting, the administration of an IV must be accompanied by a screening for allergies and a guarantee of the pharmaceutical grade of the solution used.
Disputed Supply Chains
The investigation into the origin of the contaminated or lethal serums has led to a conflict between the practitioner and his alleged supplier. Family members of the victims stated that Dr. Maximiano identified Rubio Pharma as the provider of the serums.
Rubio Pharma has since issued a formal statement distancing itself from the tragedies. The pharmaceutical company clarified that it does not produce or distribute any substances labeled as “serum” or “vitamin serum,” shifting the focus back to the clinic’s internal procurement and mixing processes.
This discrepancy is common in “wellness” clinics, where practitioners may purchase base solutions from one source and add unregulated vitamins or supplements from another, creating a “cocktail” that has not undergone rigorous pharmacological testing for stability or sterility.
For those seeking vitamin supplementation, the safest route remains oral intake or infusions administered in accredited hospitals where COFEPRIS (the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk) regulations are strictly enforced.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The legal proceedings regarding the responsibility of the clinic and the specific composition of the serums are expected to continue as forensic reports are finalized. The next critical step will be the official determination by health authorities regarding the suspension of the clinic’s license to operate.
Do you have experience with wellness clinics or thoughts on the regulation of aesthetic medicine? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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