Image source: Getty Images
An advice related to women's personal health is going viral on social media, which Kenyan health experts have described as dangerous.
It is being claimed in the viral post that keeping allergy medicine Cetirizine tablets in the private parts helps in tightening and increases pleasure during sexual relations.
But experts say that such use of this medicine has neither been approved nor has its safety been tested.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has warned women not to insert cetirizine tablets in their private parts.
Cetirizine is a common allergy medicine. It is used to provide relief from problems like sneezing, runny nose, itching in the eyes and hives on the skin. This medicine is meant to be taken by mouth.
How did this viral trend start?
This controversy started earlier this week when several posts related to the use of Cetirizine started going viral on TikTok.
It was claimed in these posts that this medicine can reduce the moisture in the private parts of women. Due to this, tightness can be felt during sexual relations.
Sometimes the effect of antihistamine medicines can cause dryness in the body. But experts say that this does not strengthen the muscles of private parts.
End
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, or PSK, said, "Cetirizine is not meant to cause tightness. It may cause rubbing, discomfort, and an increased risk of injury to delicate internal organs."
PSK said, "It is not safe to insert oral tablets into private parts. Cetirizine tablets are designed to be swallowed. The ingredients in them have not been tested for use on these sensitive parts of the body."
Debate broke out on viral claim
Special stories selected for you by Nitin Srivastava
Learn more
After this claim went viral on social media, a debate started regarding it.
Some social media users are promoting this method, while others are raising questions about how safe it is to do so.
There have also been reports in the local media that the price of Cetirizine has increased. There have been reports of increasing demand for it, especially at some medicine shops in the capital Nairobi.
PSK, which represents pharmacists in Kenya, said in a statement on Thursday: "Cetirizine is an allergy medicine and is taken orally. It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, especially not for use in private parts."
"If you already use it, stop using it. If you have pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge, or fever, consult a doctor," the organization advised.
PSK has also asked social media influencers and content creators to exercise caution while sharing health-related information.
The organization says that claims made without investigation can put people's health at risk.
Health Ministry also expressed concern
This warning from pharmacists came a day after Kenya's Health Ministry expressed concern over this viral trend.
Oma Oluga, a senior health department official, said that some social media users appear to be making fun of the medical advice of experts. They are not paying attention to its possible consequences.
He suggested that the authorities could introduce a system to monitor the sale and purchase of drugs.
This can help identify medicines that are being misused.
However, no formal decision has been taken yet to start such a system.
Concern over increasing demand for medicines
PSK said it is aware of reports of demand and price increases for cetirizine. There have also been reports of its shortage at some medicine shops.
The organization has asked drug sellers not to take advantage of this viral trend.
She warned that if demand for the drug continues to grow at this pace, it may become difficult for people who really need cetirizine to treat allergies to get it.
PSK also asked its members not to knowingly give such medicines which are likely to be misused.
If any medicine has been misused and has caused adverse effects, then it has also been asked to inform the health authorities.
At the end of its statement, PSK said that untested methods spreading on social media should not be given more importance than the advice of experts.
The organization said, "Consult a pharmacist before using any medicine for a purpose for which it is not designed. Do not rely on social media for medical advice."
Published by Collective Newsroom for the BBC.
Download the new BBC World Service app
Choose BBC News Hindi and get news alerts, live TV, podcasts... all in one place
Please note: The new app is not available in the UK and US.
short video
end of short video
