More lives could be lost unless Malawians abandon a risky bedroom shortcut, with the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) issuing an urgent warning.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PMRA said it is deeply concerned by recent media reports of fatalities and adverse health events associated with the use of sexual enhancement medicines and related substances without medical supervision.
The statement, signed by PMRA Director General Charles Chimenya, reminded the public that sexual enhancement medicines containing Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, are classified as Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) under the PMRA Act of 2019.
PMRA said the medicines are intended for the treatment of specific diagnosed medical conditions and should only be used after assessment and prescription by a qualified medical practitioner.
“The medicines are specifically indicated for the management of specific diagnosed disease conditions following a thorough clinical assessment,” the Authority said.
The regulator stressed that the drugs are not social or recreational substances and should not be used for performance enhancement purposes.
According to PMRA, individuals seeking access to the medicines must first undergo a medical assessment by a qualified health practitioner before obtaining a valid prescription.
The prescription can then be used to purchase the medicines from a registered retail pharmacy.
The Authority warned that taking the medicines without professional guidance can expose users to serious health risks, including adverse drug reactions and potentially life-threatening complications.
PMRA said the risks are particularly high for people with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as those taking other medications.
It further noted that excessive consumption of sexual enhancement medicines has, in some cases, proved fatal.
The regulator said it is continuing to strengthen measures aimed at controlling access to medicines and allied substances through licensing of pharmaceutical personnel and premises, post-market surveillance, and monitoring of adverse events and illegal medicine sales.
PMRA also urged members of the public to seek advice from qualified health professionals before taking any medicines and to buy prescription medicines only from registered pharmacies upon presentation of a valid prescription.
The warning comes amid increasing public concern over the availability and misuse of sexual enhancement products, with PMRA indicating that it will continue enforcing regulations designed to protect public health and ensure medicines are used safely and appropriately.
