SAFETY ISSUES IN HERBAL MEDICINE - IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HEALTH-PROFESSIONS

The use of herbal medicines in Australia is widespread. A number of fa ctors make assessment of adverse effects associated with these product s more complex than for pharmaceuticals. Problems have resulted from c ontamination with heavy metals and adulteration with prescription drug s in overseas herbal products. A classification is proposed for advers e effects associated with herbal medicines, and medical practitioners are encouraged to include use of these preparations in a patient's dru g history and in reports of suspected adverse drug reactions. If may b e necessary to develop a separate database to promote adverse drug rea ction reporting for herbal medicine and the wider field of complementa ry and alternative medicine.