The Ministry of Health has unveiled new regulatory measures to control the sale of Sildenafil, widely known as the Blue Pill or Viagra, following an eye-opening Citizen TV documentary.

In a statement on Monday, December 22, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni emphasized that Sildenafil is strictly prescription-only and must not be sold over the counter. The drug, used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction in men and pulmonary arterial hypertension, carries serious health risks if taken without medical supervision.

PS Muthoni warned that combining Sildenafil with nitrates or certain heart and blood pressure medications can trigger life-threatening complications, including heart attacks and strokes. “Patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use,” she stressed.

To curb illegal sales, the Ministry will implement a monitoring system requiring pharmacies to document and report all prescription medicine sales. This move aims to improve traceability, ensure compliance with the law, and reduce the circulation of controlled drugs into informal markets.

The crackdown follows the Citizen TV exposé that revealed widespread misuse and the sale of Blue Pills without prescriptions, highlighting the urgent need for stronger regulation and public awareness.