What are the limitations of aloe vera gel?

Tolerance

Before November 2002, many over-the-counter laxatives contained aloe latex. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned aloe latex as an ingredient in these products because of safety concerns. Health risks associated with aloe latex tend to increase as people using it regularly develop a tolerance to the substance and need to take more of it for the same results.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns

Do not consume aloe latex if you are pregnant because it may stimulate uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Aloe latex also may cause birth defects. Its safety for infants is unknown, so you also should not consume aloe latex if you are breastfeeding.

Dangerous Injections

Aloe vera injections are legal in some countries as an alternative treatment for cancer, but not in the United States. Available evidence does not support claims that these injections are effective, reports the American Cancer Society. In addition, several people who received this type of treatment for cancer died due to negative effects from the shots.
Topical Reactions

Topical aloe gel use is not completely without disadvantages. Using the gel on skin for long time frames can cause an allergy to develop, with symptoms such as hives or a rash. In addition, research is lacking or conflicting on the effectiveness of topical aloe for bedsores, wound healing or reducing skin damage from cancer radiation therapy, according to MedlinePlus.