Adverse events associated with the use of complementary medicine and health supplements: an analysis of reports in the Singapore Pharmacovigilance database from 1998 to 2009.

Context. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly herbal medicine and their derived products, have been increasing. However, sporadic reports of serious adverse effects associated with the use of these products have become a source of concern. Spontaneous adverse event reporting may be used to monitor the safety of these products. Objective. The objectives of this study is to analyze and describe the patterns of adverse events associated with the use of Chinese Proprietary Medicine, other complementary medicine and health supplements (termed CAM products) in the Singapore Pharmacovigilance database from 1998 to 2009 and to highlight areas of safety concerns. Methods. Adverse events associated with CAM products reviewed by the Vigilance Branch of the Health Sciences Authority for the period 1998–2009 were collated and analyzed. The following information was extracted and collated: patient demographics, type and indication of CAM products, system-organ class affected, seriousnes...