Investigators Focus on Five Doctors Who Prescribed Medication to Michael Jackson

As investigators probe the circumstances surrounding Michael Jackson's death, they are focusing on at least five doctors who prescribed medication to the pop star. Authorities are analyzing prescription records and medical evidence to determine whether the prescribed medications played a role in his death. One of the most alarming discoveries is the presence of numerous bottles of Diprivan, a powerful sedative, at Jackson's home, which was found without prescription labels and bears no signs of proper administration.

Key Takeaways:

• Investigators are focusing on at least five doctors who prescribed medication to Michael Jackson, including those who may have prescribed Diprivan, a powerful sedative.
• Some of the prescriptions were made out in Jackson's pseudonyms, and in some cases, the medications had no prescription labels on them.
• The discovery of numerous bottles of Diprivan at Jackson's home has raised concerns about the proper administration of the medication.
• Medical experts have expressed alarm that Diprivan is being used at a private home and should only be administered by a trained professional.
• Experts have highlighted the dangers of Diprivan abuse, citing a 2007 study that found 18% of anesthesiology departments reported incidents of Diprivan abuse in the last 10 years.
• The study found that 7 out of 25 individuals who abused propofol (the generic name for Diprivan) died as a result of the abuse.
• Medical experts note that Diprivan is not safe for self-administration or administration by someone not trained in airway management and cardiac life support.

Statistics:

• 18% of anesthesiology departments reported incidents of Diprivan abuse in the last 10 years (Wischmeyer, 2007).
• 7 out of 25 individuals who abused propofol (the generic name for Diprivan) died as a result of abuse (Wischmeyer, 2007).
• Diprivan is a powerful sedative that should only be administered by a trained professional, such as an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Sources:

• Wischmeyer, P. (2007). Abuse of propofol: A growing problem. Anesthesia & Analgesia.
• Bryson, E. (Interview). Expert on anesthesia and Diprivan.
• Taraborrelli, R. (Interview). Jackson biographer and media consultant.
• Dombrowski, J. (Interview). Member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists' board of directors.
• "Diprivan Label," FDA.gov.