The key facts
- The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) called the insertion of oral cetirizine tablets into the vagina unsafe: the ingredients have not been tested on vaginal tissue.
- The trend spread on TikTok earlier this week; reports say prices and demand for the drug have risen in pharmacies, especially in Nairobi.
- Kenya's Ministry of Health expressed concern a day before the PSK statement; official Ouma Oluga floated a system for tracking medicine sales, but no decision has been made yet.
Viral social media advice and the regulators' response
Kenyan pharmacists have warned women of the danger of inserting allergy pills into the vagina to make it 'tighter' — a reaction to a wave of social media posts promoting cetirizine as a way to enhance sexual pleasure. This is reported by BBC News citing a statement from the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK). Cetirizine is a widely available oral antihistamine used for sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions, including hives.
Why it doesn't work and what the risks are
The dispute began earlier this week, when TikTok posts appeared claiming that cetirizine supposedly reduces vaginal moisture and creates a feeling of tightness during sex. Antihistamines can indeed cause dryness as a side effect, but, as PSK stresses, this does not strengthen the muscles: 'Dryness is not tightness… instead, it can increase friction, discomfort and the risk of tissue injury.' The Society stated that the tablets are meant to be swallowed, that their composition has not been tested on sensitive vaginal tissue, and advised anyone who has already tried the method to stop and see a doctor if they experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever. PSK also urged influencers to be more careful about sharing medical information and reminded them: 'Do not rely on social media for medical advice.'
Rising demand and possible measures
Local media reported rising prices for the drug and increased demand in some pharmacies, especially in the capital Nairobi. PSK confirmed it was aware of such reports and of shortages in a number of pharmacies, called on retailers not to profit from the trend — otherwise the drug could become unavailable to those who genuinely need it for allergies — and asked its members not to knowingly dispense the drug for misuse. A day before the Society's statement, Kenya's Ministry of Health expressed concern: senior official Ouma Oluga said that some social media users appear to treat expert advice as a joke, and suggested that a system for tracking the distribution and purchase of medicines could be introduced to detect misuse — however, as the BBC notes, no official decision on such an initiative has yet been announced.
Image source, Getty Images Cetirizine is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms
