Vigilance of adverse reactions of herbal medicines in Cuba for the period 2003-2010

Introduction: increase in the consumption of natural products is largely due to the perception that being "natural" can only be beneficial and without risk to health. Objective: to characterize the adverse reactions associated with the use of herbal medicines sold in Cuba for the period 2003-2010. Methods: observational, descriptive and transversal study. Was eligible for the study all reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) herbal medicines produced by the National Coordinator of Pharmacovigilance Unit during the study period. Results: most of the reports of suspected adverse reactions were distributed in females (67.3 %) and in the age group of 31-60 years (52.5 %). Predominant gastrointestinal disorders such as epigastria pain (17.9) and vomiting (10.5). Garlic tincture and syrup (14.0 %) and Aloe Vera L (7.7) were the most commonly reported herbal medicines. The organ most affected by adverse reactions was the tract. Most of them were classified probable mild. Conclusions: adverse reactions, for herbal medicines, reported the Cuban system of pharmacovigilance are mostly mild, occur in adult women and Digestive and skin more often.