Propofol: How Safe is it?

Propofol has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons. It started with the Michael Jackson tragedy, and has continued with the unfortunate events surrounding the death of Joan Rivers.

The use of propofol has been implicated in both celebrity deaths. And because of the media coverage surrounding these events, there has been a swell of concern in the public about the use of propofol.

Is it safe?

Patients come into the hospital or surgery center now, and ask specifically about the use of propofol. Naturally, they are concerned. So let’s examine this anesthetic drug a little closer. After reading this, my hope is that you will know a few key things about propofol that will ease any anxiety about this drug.

What is it used for?

Here are some of the more common, legitimate uses for propofol:

1. General anesthesia: propofol is used to induce general anesthesia thousands of times every day for all sorts of surgical procedures
2. Sedation for procedures/studies: propofol is also used for endoscopic procedures (upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, Trans-esophageal echocardiogram, etc) and various imaging studies (MRI– in children that can’t hold still or adults that are claustrophobic or disabled)
3. ICU: to provide sedation for patients that are intubated (have a breathing tube) and on mechanical ventilation in the ICU

What is it not supposed to be used for?

Propofol is NOT indicated for use as a sleep aid, as seems to have been the case for Michael Jackson.

This drug is not supposed to be used outside of a hospital type setting. It is a very potent drug and should only be given for the appropriate reasons, in the proper setting, with vital sign monitoring, by the proper personnel (more on this later).

Important Effects of Propofol

There are a few important effects of propofol that are key for the public to know and understand.

1. This drug produces respiratory depression (and possibly the complete stopping of breathing) very quickly.
2. The administration of this drug can also be accompanied by a drop in blood pressure.
3. Many people experience some kind of pain/burning sensation within the IVwhen propofol is given. Anesthesiologists will try to minimize/prevent this pain by giving lidocaine beforehand, but it may not completely block the pain. Although uncomfortable, this pain is “normal”, passes quickly, and is not indicative of something dangerous happening.

Allergies

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic medicine that can contain egg lecithin, glycerol, and soybean oil. This brings up the issue of whether propofol can be used in patients with an egg allergy.

Definitely tell your anesthesiologist about any allergies you may have.

Usually propofol can be given to those with egg allergy. Most egg allergies come from egg whites (egg albumin) while egg lecithin is derived from the egg yolk.

Who Should Administer this Drug?

We’ve already discussed the important effects of propofol that give it the potential to be dangerous. This includes its rapid onset of slowed/stopped breathing, as well as its effects on blood pressure. This is why an anesthesiologist is the safest and most qualified person to administer this drug.

In Michael Jackson’s case, a cardiologist was giving him propofol at home to aid with sleep.

He had the wrong person (not an anesthesiologist) in the wrong environment (at home, without proper monitoring) and for the wrong reasons (propofol is not a sleep aid). We are all aware of the tragic outcome.

Many of the details surrounding Joan Rivers’ death have yet to be revealed. From the little information available, it appears that there were several issues with the care she received. And just like Michael, to my knowledge an anesthesiologist was NOT involved in her care (even though she also appears to have been given propofol).

Anesthesiologists safely give propofol to thousands of people every day for all kinds of surgeries and procedures. Because we use it so often, we are very familiar with the various potent effects of this drug and use our skill and experience to keep the patient in a safe zone.

Occasionally, a patient may have an exaggerated reaction to the medicine. Perhaps they stop breathing at a much smaller dose. Or maybe their blood pressure is more significantly impacted than one might expect. Your anesthesiologist is diligently watching all these effects and treating whatever is necessary.

We are ready to treat the blood pressure changes quickly, and should it become necessary, we are capable and ready to manage a patient’s airway and “breathe for them until they are again capable to breathe on their own”.

The key question to ask: Is the person giving me propofol trained and capable of doing these things?

It’s OK to ask questions when undergoing procedures. More and more, patients ask me if I am going to use propofol. If I am, I let them know. I also explain why propofol is safe for them in their particular case.

And if one of my family members were to require the use of propofol, I would insist it be provided by an anesthesiologist.

***