Off-Label Diprivan Use by Michael Jackson May Have Been Deadly
Recent reports suggest that Michael Jackson may have been using Diprivan, or Propofol, to help him sleep. This intravenous drug is not approved for this use, and this may have had fatal consequences.
In general, medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific uses based on pharmacological and clinical research trials. After approval, some medications are found to be effective for other conditions not specifically tested with the research. This is commonly called an "off-label" use and occurs with many medications.
Diprivan is approved by the FDA for use in general anesthesia (such as would occur in an operating room), monitored anesthesia care sedation, and as sedation for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Its reported off-label uses include sedation for procedures or intubation and also the treatment of headaches. It is not standardly used for sleep induction in those with insomnia, though as a hypnotic agent it would be effective for this.
As for the risks of off-label use of Diprivan, these would likely be similar to the established risks of the drug. It most commonly causes pain at the site of injection (in up to 28.5% of people), nausea or vomiting, and muscle twitches. Serious reactions may occur, including a slow heart rate (in 4.8%), apnea (when breathing stops), or even heart failure (in up to 10%).
These risks certainly suggest that any drug use should be carefully considered, and that when this use is off-label there can be unexpected and dangerous consequences. It remains to be seen whether Michael Jackson was a victim of this practice.
Source: "Propofol." Micromedix. Last updated May 4, 2009.
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Comments
Combining injections of Morphine and Demerol I believe would be highly deadly. And then on top of that this anesthic along with other prescription drugs. It’s high time that pharmacologist,doctors,and plastic surgeons come under deep deep scrunity. It’s also high time that us the public don’t rely so much on them either. Be happy with who you are and what God made you. Aging is part of living. Your grey hair is your crown, be proud of it. Your wrinkles are the roads you’ve traveled. Your aches and pains, especially back pain when depressed and lying down for a long time is just telling to get up and move, go walking. When depressed hang out with someone for a cup of coffee or kool-aid. Just getting out of the house and talking to people is a great remedy. Get everything that’s ailing you out of your chest by just talking about all your experiences. Live in the present. If you can’t sleep after you reach menopause, don’t panic it’s normal the body is adjusting. And yes men get the same symtoms too, don’t panic it’s all normal.