The government has moved swiftly to curb the rising misuse of Viagra drug following reports that deaths linked to the drug have doubled in recent months.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 22, the Ministry of Health announced new measures to regulate the sale of Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra or the Blue Pill, after a revealing Citizen TV documentary exposed widespread abuse of the drug.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stressed that Sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine and should not be sold over the counter. She explained that the drug is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and must only be taken under medical supervision.
“When used without proper medical guidance, especially alongside nitrates or certain heart and blood pressure medications, Sildenafil can lead to life-threatening complications,” Muthoni warned. She noted that misuse of the drug significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, urging Kenyans to consult qualified health professionals before using it.
As part of the crackdown, the ministry has introduced a monitoring system requiring pharmacies to document and report all sales of prescription medicines. According to the PS, the move is aimed at improving traceability and sealing loopholes that allow controlled drugs such as Sildenafil to find their way into informal and illegal markets.
The government will also conduct frequent audits and inspections of pharmacies, with a focus on reviewing prescription records to ensure compliance with the law. Muthoni emphasized that any pharmacy found dispensing Sildenafil without a valid prescription will face legal consequences.
In addition, the ministry plans to roll out nationwide public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks and legal implications of using prescription-only drugs without medical approval.
The new directives follow a Citizen TV investigative documentary titled “Blues and Death,” which aired on Sunday night. The exposé highlighted how a broken regulatory system has enabled rogue pharmacies to sell sexual performance-enhancing drugs freely, often without any medical guidance, putting unsuspecting users at serious risk.