A social media trend encouraging women to use allergy medication as a vaginal tightening remedy has prompted a warning from Kenya’s health authorities.
The trend, which has circulated on various online platforms, falsely claims that inserting Cetirizine tablets into the vaginal canal can cause dryness and tighten tissues.
In a safety advisory, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) warned against the practice, clarifying that Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
The statement, signed by the board’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahmed I Mohamed, said the medication is intended for oral use and should only be taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
“Cetirizine is not approved for vaginal use or tightening, and there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use for this purpose,” the board said.
It warned that inserting the tablets could cause irritation, burning, soreness, pain and discomfort.
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“Using health products not intended for vaginal use may also disrupt the vagina’s natural protective environment and increase the risk of infections,” the statement added.
The board also cautioned against taking more than the recommended dose, noting that an overdose could cause excessive sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness, confusion, shaking, a rapid heartbeat and difficulty passing urine.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga also raised concerns over the trend, saying online discussions, even when presented as jokes, could encourage sections of the public to misuse medicines.
“I saw people discussing this medicine in a manner that is like a joke, but this also influences some sections of the public to misuse products and medicine,” Oluga said.
The trend has also raised concerns over the availability of Cetirizine, with reports of increased demand and panic buying in some parts of the country.
To address the situation, the Ministry of Health is planning to introduce a track-and-trace monitoring system to follow the movement of Cetirizine through the supply chain.
The system is expected to help authorities monitor the manufacture, distribution and sale of the medication, including bulk purchases that could point to misuse.
In its advisory, the PPB urged members of the public not to insert Cetirizine or other oral medicines into the vagina, or exceed the recommended dosage.
It also advised women with concerns about vaginal health, dryness or sexual health to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals rather than rely on unverified claims circulating on social media.
The board further urged anyone who experiences suspected side effects or other medicine-related safety concerns to report them through its online pharmacovigilance portal, the mPvERS mobile application, or via email and telephone.