Kenya’s medicines regulator has warned that social media claims promoting the allergy drug cetirizine for vaginal tightening have no established scientific backing and could expose users to harm.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board says the medicine is not approved for vaginal use and warns that inserting the tablets may cause irritation, burning, soreness and pain.
The warning follows claims circulating online that cetirizine can be used to cause vaginal dryness or achieve tightening. The board describes the claims as misleading.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis and urticaria, commonly known as hives. It is intended to be taken orally.
“Cetirizine is not approved for vaginal use or tightening, and there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use for this purpose,” the board says in its safety alert.
Beyond immediate discomfort, the regulator warns that using medicines not intended for vaginal application may disrupt the vagina’s natural protective environment and increase the risk of infections.
The alert also addresses the dangers of taking excessive amounts of the drug. The board says exceeding the recommended dose can cause excessive sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness, confusion, shaking, a rapid heartbeat and difficulty passing urine.
The notice, signed by the board’s chief executive officer, Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed, does not state how widespread the practice is or identify any confirmed cases of injury linked to the claims.
It nevertheless raises concern about the use of an allergy medicine for an unapproved purpose on the strength of social media advice.
The board urges people with concerns about vaginal health, dryness or sexual health to consult qualified healthcare professionals and cautions against relying on or sharing unverified medical claims online.
