Asali ya Wazee: Gov’t bans sexual enhancement medicine made from honey

The product, commonly known as ‘Asali ya Wazee’ is in circulation in the Kenyan market and has been promoted for its alleged sexual enhancement properties.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) noted the ban comes after conducting thorough tests and detecting significant adulteration of the product with high levels of a conventional active pharmaceutical ingredient known as Sildenafil which is prescribed for the management of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PPB added that Sildenafil is classified as a prescription-only medicine and its excessive consumption poses safety and health hazards.

"The PPB strongly cautions the public against use or involvement in the trade, distribution, wholesale, retail, issuance or dispensing of this product. Any person found dealing with or distributing these products will be subjected to legal action," reads a statement dated November 21, 2023.

In addition, the board warned the public about batches of falsified and substandard Truvada products circulating in the Kenyan market. The product in question are Truvada 200mg and 300mg manufactured by Gilead Science Inc.

The board further noted that the products are illegally in the market as they have failed to meet the approved marketing authorization requirement evidenced by falsified packaging and labelling.

Consequently, warning the public against the use of product Batches number B4033894D and B425875D as their safety, quality and efficiency cannot be assured .