American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Warned of Propofol Dangers 3 Days Before Jackson's Death

Thank you to a good friend and colleague for writing this for publication on my blog.

PARKRIDGE, IL. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists published a statement on June 22 warning of potentially fatal results when the anesthetic agent propofol (Diprivan) is abused, just 3 days before Michael Jackson died of a possible overdose of the drug. The association also warned that propofol has properties which make it a potential drug of abuse and addiction, Indeed reports of propofol abuse and fatal, accidental self administered overdose have been reported since 1992 and are on the increase. The majority of incidents of abuse are among health care providers since propofol is an intravenous medication which is use only inside hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and clinics. "Our concern has been growing over the ease of access to propofol within hospitals compared to other drugs of abuse like morphine. Most disturbing is a 30-50% incidence of fatal outcomes when this dangerous drug is abused. Propofol stops breathing, followed in 4-5 minutes with cardiac arrest due to lack of oxygen" says Greg Stocks CRNA, a peer assistance advisor at the association.

Propofol has no approved clinical use outside of health care institutions and is not available by prescription. It is never indicated for treatment of insomnia. Despite the potential for propofol abuse, it is not a drug controlled or restricted by the DEA and is treated no differently than antibiotics. Some hospitals and anesthesia departments have taken their own steps in securing and accounting for their supplies of propofol after it became clear to them that a high incidence of fatal overdose results from abuse.

See the AANA propofol Position Statement at www.aana.com