NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has stepped up regulatory action to rein in the rampant misuse of the so-called “blue pill” after investigations revealed widespread illegal over-the-counter sales of the prescription-only drug across urban centres, raising fears of preventable deaths linked to heart complications.
The drug, commonly known as sildenafil, is legally prescribed only for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Medical experts warn that when taken without proper screening—especially alongside nitrates or certain blood pressure medicines—it can trigger severe complications, including heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest.
A Citizen TV investigation exposed how a broken regulatory chain has enabled rogue pharmacies and chemists to sell the drug freely, often without asking for a prescription or conducting basic medical checks.
In Nairobi’s Pipeline Estate, reporters were able to buy 50-milligram and 100-milligram blue pills from multiple chemists with ease.
“Ni how much moja?” a reporter asked.
“Kuna ya 50 au 100,” a seller replied—no prescription requested, no questions asked.
Health experts say the illegal access has fuelled growing abuse, particularly among healthy men seeking to boost sexual performance. Although comprehensive national data is lacking, medical practitioners say cases of dependency and life-threatening side effects are rising.
Anthony, not his real name, told Citizen TV he has been using the pills weekly for nearly a year, spending as little as Sh250 for four tablets. He described how pressure to perform pushed him to seek a quick fix from a chemist after traditional remedies failed.
“At least bibi yangu alifurahia,” he said, adding that no one warned him of the risks. Over time, he increased his dosage—until his body began reacting violently. “Roho inakugonga sana… kichwa inaanza kukuuma,” he recalled, describing palpitations and severe headaches that nearly cost him his life.
Medical professionals say such symptoms are red flags. Dr Yubrine Moraa Gachemba, a consultant cardiologist at The Nairobi Hospital, said sildenafil must only be issued after proper evaluation.
“This is a prescription-only drug. The doctor must have seen you, evaluated whether you’re fit or not. For the people selling this without prescription—shame on you,” she said.
Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor has also documented fatal cases linked to sexual enhancement drugs.
In an August article in The Pitch Magazine, he detailed two deaths in Kilimani estate, including a 70-year-old businessman with hypertension and diabetes who collapsed moments before meeting a date, and a prominent club owner who died after complaining of a severe headache during a sexual encounter.
Toxicology tests in both cases confirmed traces of blue pills.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Health and regulators have rolled out new measures to tighten control. Authorities have implemented a monitoring system requiring wholesalers to document and report sales of prescription medicines to retailers.
Audits and inspections of pharmacies are underway, with prescription records under scrutiny to ensure controlled dispensing.
The government is also intensifying public education campaigns to warn consumers about the dangers of using prescription-only medicines without medical advice.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has acknowledged gaps in enforcement, warning that unregulated dispensing puts lives at risk.
PSK President Dr Wairimu Mbogo said responsibility must be shared across the supply chain. “Ideally, you should not just buy it because you asked for it. There should be a questionnaire, and information should be shared with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board so action can be taken,” she said.
Doctors warn that even mild side effects—such as headaches, dizziness, and abdominal pain—can escalate to severe outcomes, including dangerously low blood pressure, vision loss, priapism, and cardiac arrest.
Dr Moraa urged users to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. “If you use it and develop chest pain or profuse sweating, get to a hospital immediately. The heart is complaining,” she said.
As pressure mounts, health experts are calling for stricter enforcement against pharmacies flouting the law, warning that without decisive action, the silent abuse of the blue pill could claim more lives.
