The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued an alert about the widespread threat of THEMRA Epimedyumlu Macun, also commonly known as 'Asali ya wazee’.
In a statement dated Tuesday, November 21, 2023, PPB CEO Fred Siyoi noted that the honey-based product has excess levels of sexual enhancement ingredient - sildenafil which is a prescription-only medicine.
Sildenafil is also an active ingredient in Viagra- a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
According to PPB, the test results contravene the manufacturers who market 'Asali ya Wazee' as a 100 per cent natural and herbal product.
"Consequently, the PPB has conducted thorough tests on the honey-based product -'Asali ya Wazee' and detected 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.
"The PPB informs the public that Sildenafil is classified as a Prescription-Only Medicine and its excessive consumption poses serious safety and health hazards," part of the statement read.
The State agency has cautioned members of the public to avoid usage and report suspicions immediately to PPB for legal action.
"Any person found dealing with or distributing these products will be subjected to legal action. Further, the PPB advises the public against the use of health products that have not obtained approval from the PPB."
