Kenya Cracks Down on Over-the-Counter Erectile Dysfunction Medicines

Kenya’s health authorities have announced stricter controls on the sale of prescription-only medicines, aiming to stop their routine sale without medical authorisation.

The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards said the measures will focus on drugs that are widely sold over the counter despite legal restrictions, including erectile dysfunction medication commonly known as “blue pills”. These medicines are classified as prescription-only and are intended to be used under medical supervision.

Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said such drugs are prescribed not only for erectile dysfunction but also for conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. She warned that unsupervised use can lead to serious health complications, particularly when taken alongside nitrates or certain treatments for heart disease and high blood pressure. 

In a statement posted on X, she said these interactions can increase the risk of severe outcomes, including heart attack and stroke, and stressed the need for medical or pharmaceutical consultation before use. Under the new framework, wholesalers will be required to keep detailed records of all sales of prescription medicines to retailers and submit regular reports to regulators. 

The ministry will also step up inspections of pharmacies and chemist shops, with a focus on reviewing prescription records to ensure compliance with the law. Public awareness campaigns are planned to inform consumers about the risks of self-medication and the importance of professional guidance.

The move follows ongoing concern over the widespread availability of restricted medicines through pharmacies, chemist outlets and informal vendors. In many cases, drugs are dispensed without prescriptions, allowing patients to self-diagnose and treat symptoms without proper medical assessment. 

This practice has been linked to incorrect dosing and delays in diagnosing serious underlying conditions. Health officials have also raised alarm over the routine sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, a practice that contributes to antimicrobial resistance.