Things to know about Propofol
Things to know about Propofol
> Propofol is a dangerous drug?
Propofol has been in the news lately as a drug that celebrities get addicted to.
Ever since Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 due to a Propofol overdose, famous Korean celebrities have been found to be addicted to the same drug.
In various news broadcasts, the words 'narcotic', 'addict, 'investigation' have shown up next to celebrity names. It makes it appear as if these celebrities have become addicted to narcotics. For this reason, everyday people who do not have much information about Propofol classify it as a very dangerous drug that is easy to get addicted to.
Compared to TV, news spreads much faster on the internet. Everyday people who are not experts on medicine discuss what they have seen or heard on TV through various channels such as blogs and social media.
It feels as if Propofol has become the most dangerous narcotic in Korea. However, it should be asked whether Propofol is really this dangerous. Propofol, was introduced in 1985 as being a very safe and effective anesthetic. Propofol does not accumulate within the body, can be used in general anesthesia, hardly causes vomiting or symptoms of nausea and is used worldwide.
> Propofol anesthesia and proper use
Propofol has few side effects, works quickly, and motor functions recover quickly to make it the most ideal sedative. Effects of anesthesia and sedatives usually work within 40 seconds of being injected and are released from the body as urine. According to a survey from England, hospitals were to choose an anesthetic for surgery, and 96.5% chose Propofol.
Exaggerated claims about the danger of this drug can be explained through statistics. Cases regarding Propofol were only reported 10 times from 1992 to 2008, and out of the 10, 8 were from anesthesiologists, anesthesia nurses, and a radiology reporter, all related to medicine. Cases regarding everyday people are globally rare.
> Propofol drug abuse
Of course there is the possibility of Propofol drug abuse. That is why there has been strict regulation of it in Korea since 2011. However, Korea is the only country Propofol is considered an addictive drug. There are no places in Japan, the US, or Europe that consider Propofol addictive and only some countries are regulating the drug.
Korea, sensitive about celebrities' drug abuse, thinks it is an appropriate measure. Moreover, calling the drug 'simply highly addictive' should be avoided, and referring to a patient who has been prescribed Propofol from a doctor as a drug abuser is wrong.
Propofol when injected has a risk of causing infection, pain, low blood pressure and requires a medical professional for the procedure. As a medical practitioner I would like to share my thoughts on this drug. Even though Propofol can be scary, simply going on 'witch hunts' and labeling celebrities who use it as drug addicts should be avoided.
Park Wonjin of Wonjin Plastic Surgery Clinic
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