Medics Warn Kenyans over Increased Misuse of Sexual Enhancement Drugs

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has warned Kenyans against the use of sexual enhancement drugs without a valid prescription.

PSK raised alarm over the rising cases of indiscriminate use of Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil—drugs commonly known as the “blue pill.”

The society stated that the “blue pill” should only be used under the advice of a qualified medical practitioner, adding that the misuse of the drugs could cause harmful effects ranging from mild to severe. 

Some of the mild symptoms one may experience include headache, nose bleeding, discomfort in the upper abdomen, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rash. 

The severe effects include potential cardiac arrest with sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease, vision loss, and priapism (unwanted persistent erection).

“Patients with underlying conditions and those who are on other medications may be more at risk of the above-mentioned side effects,” PSK stated. 

It added: “Whilst we acknowledge that these medicines have been used to effectively manage erectile dysfunction, we caution the public to refrain from accessing the medicine without a full evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription by a qualified medical practitioner.”