Health Ministry warns against misusing cetirizine after viral social media claims

The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans not to misuse the allergy medicine cetirizine, after online claims that it can suppress sexual desire spread widely.

What happened

The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans against misusing cetirizine, an allergy medicine that went viral on social media over claims it can suppress sexual desire [1]. Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga issued the warning on Wednesday, November 4, at a High-Level Health Products and Technologies (HPT) Stakeholder Meeting in Nairobi. He said online discussion of the medicine, which he described as joking, could influence some people to misuse it [1].

Posts online allege that inserting cetirizine into the vagina can dry out natural secretions and mimic a sensation of tightness [2]. Experts describe this belief as a physiological misconception [2]. One source says the effects of the drug do not establish that it can safely or effectively create tightness [1]. A gynaecologist, Dr Jen Gunter, wrote in a past journal that vaginal insertion of an oral antihistamine carries severe risks, including friction, tissue trauma and micro-tears [2].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources describe the trend as spreading through social media. According to [2], it began after female X users promoted the drug's supposed effectiveness. [1] reports that women have reportedly used cetirizine in intimate areas in an attempt to suppress sexual desire. The sources do not identify a single event that started the surge in interest beyond these online claims.

Key facts

• Cetirizine is an antihistamine used for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and hives. It works by blocking histamine [1].
• It is designed for oral use. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, dizziness and dry mouth [1].
• According to [2], it was never designed, tested or approved for topical or intravaginal use.
• [2] reports panic buying and higher demand in Nairobi, with prices said to have tripled and local pharmacy shortages. The other sources do not confirm these market figures.
• Medical professionals and pharmacists are urging the public to stop off-label vaginal insertion of allergy medicines [2].
• [3] reports that the Ministry says claims of sexual enhancement lack scientific evidence.

What to watch

• Oluga said the government could develop a system to trace people who buy cetirizine, and could consider directly observed therapy where necessary [1].
• He called for tracing the drug's supply chain, including who manufactured and sold it and which patient received it [1].
• The sources give no update on whether supply and prices in Nairobi have recovered [2].

Sources

1. [1] MoH Issues Warning Over Cetirizine Use Amid Viral Social Media Trend - Kenyans.co.ke
2. [2] Experts warn against misuse of cetirizine amid social media craze - Citizen Digital
3. [3] Health Ministry warns Kenyans against using cetirizine for sexual enhancement | The Eastleigh Voice - The Eastleigh Voice

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.