The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has told Kenyans to stop using cetirizine, a common allergy medicine, for purposes it was never made for. The warning follows social media posts claiming that the tablets can cause vaginal dryness or tighten the vagina.
In a public safety alert signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed, and dated 4th November 2026, the Board said it had noted with concern the misleading claims spreading online. It explained that cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It is meant to be swallowed and taken only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
"Cetirizine is not approved for vaginal use or tightening, and there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use for this purpose," the Board said. It added that putting the tablets inside the vagina can lead to irritation, burning, soreness, pain and general discomfort.
The Board also warned of a bigger risk. Using products that were not made for vaginal use can disturb the natural protective environment of the vagina, which makes infections more likely. In simple terms, a woman who tries the trick may end up with a health problem worse than the one she wanted to solve.
Those who decide to swallow more tablets than recommended are not safe either. According to the PPB, taking too much cetirizine can cause heavy sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness and confusion. Some people may also experience shaking, a fast heartbeat and difficulty passing urine.
The alert comes at a time when the trend appears to have affected the market. Media reports say the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has also warned against the practice following viral social media claims, and that pharmacies have recorded increased demand for the drug. The PSK has advised Kenyans to buy medicines only from premises licensed by the PPB, where a registered pharmacist is present.
To protect the public, the PPB gave clear guidance. Women should not insert cetirizine or any other oral medicine into the vagina. They should not take more than the recommended dose, and they should use the drug only for its approved purpose and in the approved way. Anyone with worries about vaginal health, dryness or sexual health should speak to a qualified healthcare worker instead of relying on rumours. The Board also urged Kenyans not to believe or share unverified health claims that circulate on social media.
This is not the first time the Board has had to step in over intimate health fads. In 2023, it warned the public against "Yoni Pearls", also sold as vaginal detox pearls and herbal tampons, saying they were not registered or authorised for use in Kenya.
0 Comments