TMZ

Pretty much as expected now that pop icon Michael Jackson has a confirmed death due to the home use of Propofol, people are worried about their use of the drug.

The ironic thing about this is that Propofol is safe (in the right situation of course) and preferred by many anesthesiologists for short procedures as it wears off quickly and obviates the need for much in the way of narcotics. Patients have fewer side effects like nausea and vomiting. We use it in cosmetic surgery all the time.

As an expert reviewer for the California medical board I know of only one death involved in its use and it was due to inadequate monitoring.

Propofol was of course never approved for home use.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD

Related:

Michael Jackson and Propofol Safety

TMZ

With the news that Michael Jackson may have had Propofol (trade name Diprovan) administered in his home, the unusual gets even more so. Propofol is used commonly in outpatient plastic surgery and when used in a properly equipped operating room by a trained anesthesiologist it is quite safe.

It is very potent however and is absolutely not for home use. One of the first cases I reviewed for the California Medical Board years ago involved the improper use of Propofol by a nurse in a doctor’s office operating room. The staff were not properly trained and the operating room did not have the proper equipment.

The point is that this drug is safe but only when given in the right environment by the right people. It is used daily in most outpatient surgery centers in the US. Unlike alternative drugs people awaken from anesthesia quickly and without much nausea.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD