The government, through the Ministry of Health, has announced measures to regulate the sale of Viagra, citing growing concerns over its misuse by members of the public.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the popular “blue pill,” scientifically known as sildenafil, is a prescription-only medicine and should not be sold over the counter.
She explained that sildenafil is primarily prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, warning that unsupervised use poses serious health risks.
“Using sildenafil without medical guidance can be dangerous, especially when combined with other medicines such as nitrates, blood pressure drugs, or heart medication,” Muthoni said.
She cautioned that such interactions could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
The Health PS urged patients to consult qualified doctors or pharmacists before using the drug, emphasizing the importance of proper medical assessment.
To curb abuse, Muthoni said the ministry has introduced a monitoring system requiring pharmaceutical wholesalers to report sales of prescription-only medicines. In addition, pharmacies will be subjected to regular audits and inspections, including reviews of prescription records.
She added that the ministry is also intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the dangers of misusing prescription drugs.
The move comes amid increasing reports of easy access to prescription medicines without proper authorization, raising concerns among health experts about patient safety.
