The association of professionals who dispense drugs in the country is alarmed by the ever-increasing demand for emergency contraception.

The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association says that demand for emergency contraceptive drugs, commonly referred to as morning-after pills, is rapidly rising in urban centres.

Even though the pill is supposed to be taken strictly on a physician's advice, thousands of women and men flock pharmacies to buy it without a prescription, in the hope of preventing pregnancy.

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Pharmacists sell the contraceptives without enquiring whether those buying them have consulted a doctor.

The new KPA chairman Kenneth Bukachi said that although they had not carried out research on why there was an increase in demand for emergency contraception, his association was sensitising its members on the need to adhere to the industry's regulations.

"The drug should be used purely for emergency purposes, but current trends indicate that it is being misused," Mr Bukachi told the Sunday Nation in an interview.

He added that people were using the drug on a regular basis, which was risky as the emergency contraceptive was not intended to be used in this manner.

High sales are recorded on Friday evenings, during weekends and on Monday mornings.

He said the increasing demand for the pill was creating a crisis in the profession and warned pharmacists against dispensing it without following due regulations.

Mr Bukachi said the pharmacies found flouting the law would be punished by, among other things, being suspended from KPA or being blacklisted.

The chairman said the high sales were not a matter to celebrate. He said the profits being made were a clear indication that thousands of Kenyans had their priorities upside down.

"Many people are having unprotected sex, which is very risky as the country strives to reduce the number of HIV/Aids infections," he said.

The drugs cost between Sh50 and Sh300 per dose, depending on the manufacturer.

Some of the side-effects of using the morning-after pill are similar to those experienced by expectant mothers, including nausea, vomiting, and light headedness.

Incorrect use can also cause more serious effects like lumps in the breast, yellowing of the skin, chest pain and migraines.