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Fragen an Dr. Gay zu Poppers

Questions to Dr. Gay about Poppers

Poppers-online.ch contacted Dr. Gay to find out which and how many questions he receives on the subject of Poppers and what recommendations he can give for the safe use of Poppers.

What questions are asked of Dr. Gay in connection with Poppers?

  • Is the consumption of Poppers harmful?
  • Where can I get the brochure?
  • Poppers consumption in certain diseases (thrombosis with pulmonary embolism)
  • Is Poppers a drug?
  • Does the immune system suffer when consuming Poppers?
  • Interactions with various substances

Do you get asked a lot of questions about Poppers?

No. We have received 6 questions about Poppers since 2023 until today. The proportion of questions on the topic of Poppers is therefore less than 1%.

Does Gen Z use Poppers differently than previous generations? Or: Are there differences in use between younger and older gay men?

I think this is individual, regardless of age.

Are there (language) regional differences in Poppers topics?

5 of the 6 questions received were in German, one in English (about the brochure). We did not receive any French or Italian questions on the topic of Poppers.

Are you aware of any accidents involving Poppers in Switzerland?

We are not aware of any accidents.

In 2024, you published the flyer for safer use of Poppers. Where can this flyer be found?

In the Aids-Hilfe Schweiz store and all specialist and advice centers that publish the flyer. The flyer is also enclosed with every mailing from Poppers-Online.ch.

In your opinion, what are the most important points for safe handling of Poppers?

  • Do not swallow, inject or plug. There is a risk of death.
  • Caution should be exercised with mixed consumption with certain medications, e.g. for high blood pressure or erectile dysfunction.
  • Avoid contact with skin, eyes or mucous membranes. If it does happen, rinse thoroughly with water immediately
  • Poppers and the vapors are highly flammable. Therefore avoid proximity to fire (e.g. lighter or lit cigarette).
  • Only open the bottle when inhaling.
  • When consuming, stand or sit upright and move as little as possible to avoid contact with the skin through spillage.
  • Close your eyes when inhaling to protect them.
  • Avoid active ingredients such as propyl/isopropyl nitrite (eye damage) or butyl/isobutyl nitrite (potentially carcinogenic).

What do you think of the ingredient isopropyl nitrate?

Isopropyl nitrite is suspected of being harmful to the eyes. We recommend avoiding this active ingredient.

What do you think of a ban on Poppers in Switzerland?

The past has shown that blanket bans have no effect on prevention or are even counterproductive. We are therefore rather cautious when it comes to bans and rely on education and information. Those who are aware of the dangers and risks (i.e. those who are well informed) are more likely to be able to consume safely. On the other hand, a ban on demonstrably harmful substances could perhaps be helpful.

Is the Australian "Poppers on prescription" model an innovative solution or just absurd?

I’m not sure Poppers on prescription actually helps the cause. Theoretically, Poppers without a prescription is illegal in Australia. But it seems that Poppers are still available without a prescription, e.g. in sex stores or online stores. So it seems rather pointless. On the other hand, it seems sensible to classify the ingredients according to their harmfulness. Amyl nitrites, for example, are level 3-4 drugs, while propyl/isopropyl nitrites are level 10 substances and should always be banned. See also the answer to question 9.

Poppers don't have a lobby like the alcohol or pharmaceutical industry. Does that make the discussion more honest or more uninformed?

Probably more honest. But perhaps it doesn’t have much influence either, as the market is much smaller compared to alcohol and pharmaceutical products.

Dr. Gay is a service of the Swiss AIDS Federation and promotes the health of gay, bi & queer men and trans people through prevention work with the community. Behind Dr. Gay are employees of the Swiss AIDS Federation. Aids-Hilfe Schweiz is a non-profit umbrella organization of over forty organizations active or committed in the field of HIV. Among other things, we look after the sexual health of men and trans people who have sex with men.