Kenyan pharmacists warn against using drug for genital tightening

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has warned against the use of a commonly used antihistamine for purported vaginal tightening, cautioning against inserting the drug into the vagina.

The society said the warning followed the circulation of social media content promoting the practice, despite the drug being designed for oral use to relieve allergy symptoms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by its President, Dr Wairimu Njuki, the society explained that the drug works by blocking histamine to relieve sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions.

What the public should know

The PSK stated that the drug was not approved or tested for vaginal use, adding that the belief that vaginal dryness was equivalent to vaginal tightening was medically inaccurate.

“Although antihistamines may cause dryness as a side effect, reduced lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or alter vaginal anatomy. Instead, it may increase friction, discomfort, and the risk of tissue injury,” the statement read partly.

The society also described inserting oral tablets into the vagina as unsafe, noting that their ingredients had not been tested on delicate vaginal tissue.

It advised the public to take the drug only as directed on its label or by a pharmacist or medical doctor.

“Inserting oral tablets is unsafe. Tablets are made to be swallowed. A readily available and common medicine is not necessarily suitable for every purpose or free from side effects.

“It should be taken only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist or a medical doctor,” the statement added.

The PSK further advised the public against relying on social media platforms as sources of medical information, saying that the “rapid circulation of unverified medical claims presents significant risks to public health.”

It urged people who have already tried inserting the drug in their vaginas to desist from such an act.

“If you have already tried it, stop. See a doctor if you have pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge, or fever. Your health matters, and you will be treated with respect and without judgement.”

Owing to reports of a rise in demand and prices, the society urged pharmacists to adhere strictly to professional ethics and to ensure that “patients who genuinely need the drug for allergies are not left without their medicine. Members of the public should buy medicines only from premises licensed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), where a registered pharmacist is present.”

The PSK urged social media content creators to show a sense of responsibility when sharing health-related information

“Ensure it is evidence-based, and communicated in a manner that protects rather than endangers the public.

“PSK remains committed to working with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Ministry of Health, and fellow healthcare professionals to strengthen medicine safety and protect the public from harmful practices,” the statement concluded.

Checks by PUNCH Online on a Nigerian-based pharmacy store, Asset Pharmacy, revealed that the drug is packaged in a sachet of 10 tablets, with each measuring 10mg. It was described as an allergy relief tablet.