MoH warns against misuse of cetirizine for vaginal wellness

In a statement issued on November 4, the board pointed out that cetirizine is intended to relieve allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis and urticaria, with no established scientific evidence supporting its use for vaginal tightening purpose.

“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.

The board further warned that using health products not necessarily meant for vaginal use could disrupt the vagina’s natural protective environment and increase the risk of infections.

“Using health products not intended for vaginal use may also disrupt the vagina’s natural protective environment and increase the risk of infections,” the board said.

On the other hand, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has also expressed concern over the circulating misinformation surrounding the medicine, cautioning that the practice was medically inappropriate and could expose users to health complications.

PSK, which represents pharmacists in Kenya, clarified that cetirizine is an antihistamine designed for oral use to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine to relive allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions, including hives.

According to Dr. Wairimu Njuki, president Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, the medicine is not approved or tested for any other purpose, flagging out that it is not intended for vaginal tightness.

“It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, and definitely not for vaginal use,” she said.

The society explained that although antihistamines may cause dryness as a side effect, reduced vaginal lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or alter vaginal anatomy pointing out that dryness is not tightness.

“The perception that vaginal dryness is equivalent to vaginal tightness is medically inaccurate,” the society said.

According to PSK, inserting the tablets could increase friction, discomfort and the risk of tissue injury.

PSK further warned that cetirizine tablets are intended to be swallowed and not inserted into the vagina since their ingredients have not been tested for delicate vaginal tissues.

The public has been warned that although the medicine is common, it does not mean that it is harmless, and its ready availability does not necessarily mean that it is suitable for every purpose or free from side effects. Therefore, users should follow the label or a pharmacist’s prescription.

PSK pointed out that although social media is important for sharing health information, the public should note that the rapid circulation of unverified medical claims presents significant risk to public health.

Those who have abused the medicine have been advised to seek medical help if they have started experiencing health issues like pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.

The public has been urged to take only the recommended dose of the drug, use it for its approved uses and by the recommended routes, and to speak to a qualified healthcare professional in case of questions and concerns about vaginal health, dryness or sexual health.