The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has issued a public warning over the misuse of cetirizine, clarifying that the widespread availability of the over-the-counter allergy medication does not make it safe when used outside its intended medical purpose.
In an official statement released on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the professional association expressed alarm over dangerous social media trends urging women to insert cetirizine tablets into their intimate areas.
“Social media has become an important platform for sharing health information. However, the rapid circulation of unverified medical claims presents significant risks to public health,” the statement read.
The trend gained momentum online following viral claims that cetirizine could suppress libido and tighten vaginal walls.
Dismissing the claims, PSK clarified that cetirizine tablets are neither tested nor approved for vaginal administration. Experts warned that confusing reduced lubrication with “tightening” is medically inaccurate, as dryness neither strengthens muscles nor alters anatomy. Instead, inserting the tablets creates friction, causes severe discomfort, and risks damaging delicate tissue.
Women who have engaged in the practice were urged to stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional if they experience warning signs such as:
Persistent pain or burning sensations
Unusual discharge or bleeding
Itching or fever
“Your health matters, and you will be treated with respect and without judgment,” PSK assured patients seeking medical evaluation.
Cetirizine is an oral antihistamine formulated strictly to be swallowed for the treatment of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and hives.
Following the social media craze, PSK noted that several pharmacies had reported unusual spikes in demand, leading to price gouging and local stockouts. The society urged pharmacy operators to adhere to professional ethics, maintain fair pricing, and ensure allergy patients retain access to essential medication.
The professional body’s warning comes a day after the Ministry of Health voiced strong concerns regarding the trend.
Speaking during a health stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga indicated that the government is evaluating track-and-trace mechanisms to monitor pharmaceutical purchases. The proposed system would trace medicine supply chains from manufacturers down to retail pharmacies and end users to curb prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse.
Leave a Reply