Drug Company Recalls Lots of Anesthetic Rumored in Jackson’s Death

The company that makes a generic form of the powerful anesthetic drug reportedly linked to the death of entertainer Michael Jackson has recalled two lots of the drug after they were found to contain bacterial contamination.

The lots of Propofol Injectable Emulsion being recalled are not the same as those reportedly found inside the Beverly Hills home where Jackson suddenly died on June 25. Authorities trying to determine how Jackson died are said to be focusing on a possible overdose of propofol, which the singer allegedly used to sleep.

Propofol is the generic form of the brand-name drug Diprivan. The drugs are not commonly found outside hospitals, where they are used to sedate patients for surgery.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA has initiated a voluntary recall of Propofol Injectable Emulsion 10 mg/mL 100 mL vials from lot numbers 31305429B and 31305430B. The drugs are being recalled because testing found high levels of endotoxin in some vials from the two lots, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Elevated levels of endotoxins are associated with fever, chills, and rigors and in some cases can result in severe adverse effects including intravascular coagulopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and even death, according to the FDA.

So far, the company has received reports of 41 patients who experienced post-operative fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms after receiving Propofol.

Propofol should only be used as an anesthetic agent by professionals who are trained in the administration of general anesthesia, the FDA warned.

Customers who have the recalled lots of Propofol in their possession are instructed to stop using the drug immediately and return them to Teva.

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