The public purchase of aphrodisiac products without prescriptions in the Alahsa region of KSA

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To investigate requests for common prescription-only aphrodisiacs across community pharmacies in the Alahsa region of KSA. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected pharmacies in the eastern region of Alahsa, KSA. Self-administered questionnaires were directly distributed to 73 consenting community pharmacies. Completed questionnaires were coded, reviewed for accuracy and entered into a database in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 19.0; IBM Corporation, Somers, NY). The data were analysed using descriptive analysis. Results The survey response rate was 72.60%. With respect to the availability of aphrodisiacs and sexual supplements, most of the pharmacists disclosed that they had stocks of Viagra and Cialis. The most common men's health complication reported by pharmacists was erectile dysfunction (n = 12, 22.6%), followed by premature ejaculation (n = 4, 7.5%) and low sexual desire (n = 1, 1.9%). Less than half of pharmacists (n = 9, 16.9%) cited Viagra and Cialis as preferred drugs for treating premature ejaculation. Approximately 32 (60.3%) proposed delayed sprays as the first line of action, while 13 (24.5%) considered antidepressants as their first-choice drug. Conclusion The non-prescription dispensing of prescription-only medicines, including sexual enhancement products, is common in KSA. The majority of pharmacists continue to violate pharmaceutical laws without recognizing the potential harm they are causing their communities. Stakeholders should organize training and certification initiatives to ensure that pharmacists are aware of and comply with national pharmaceutical laws. These agencies should also ensure that pharmacies maintain safe and ethical practices.