The Ministry of Health has moved to tighten control over the sale of Viagra and other sildenafil-based drugs, warning that the popular “blue pill” poses serious health risks when used without medical supervision.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 22, 2025, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine and must not be sold over the counter under any circumstances.

She cautioned that unsupervised use of the drug significantly raises the risk of severe complications, including heart attacks and strokes, especially among users with underlying heart conditions.

“Sildenafil is not a casual medicine. Patients must consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before use,” Muthoni said in a post on X.

Sildenafil is primarily prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the PS noted that misuse has become widespread, with the drug increasingly sold informally without prescriptions.

According to the Ministry, the danger escalates when sildenafil is taken alongside nitrates or certain blood pressure and heart medications, combinations that can trigger sudden drops in blood pressure and other life-threatening reactions.

To address the growing concern, the government is rolling out a new monitoring system that will require pharmacies to record and report all sales of prescription-only medicines. The move is aimed at improving traceability and cutting off illegal supply chains that funnel controlled drugs into unregulated markets.

Muthoni also announced intensified inspections and audits of pharmacies, with a focus on prescription records to ensure compliance with existing pharmaceutical laws.

“These inspections will verify that medicines such as sildenafil are dispensed strictly on the basis of valid prescriptions,” she said.

Beyond enforcement, the Ministry plans to launch nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate Kenyans on the health risks and legal consequences of using prescription medicines without professional guidance.

Health experts note that erectile dysfunction becomes more common with age, particularly after 50, and while drugs like Viagra are effective, they are not risk-free. Sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow, but it can also cause side effects such as sudden blood pressure changes, dizziness and skin flushing.

Medical professionals warn that older adults and people with heart conditions are especially vulnerable, underscoring the Ministry’s call for caution.

The crackdown signals a broader push by the government to rein in the misuse of prescription drugs and prioritise patient safety over convenience and illegal profit.