Propofol and Burning: What Users Say

• bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy 2 days ago. I felt great before the procedure, when I woke up from the procedure, I had a constant runny nose. Throughout the day, I started coughing, my nose wouldn't quit running, and my eyes were burning like I had a cold. Today is worse: my head and neck ache, runny nose, mild cough, ears are plugged, and I have a sore throat. No question that this was caused by the propofol, the symptoms were immediate after waking up. Would not recommend this anesthesia."

• STL...
• September 10, 2019

For Anesthesia "5th colonoscopy yesterday. First time I've had these adverse reactions. Propofol IV given...maybe too rapidly? O2 per nasal cannula. Burning when injected, no big deal. Apparently, I coughed throughout the procedure and had to be suctioned. Awoke quickly, with a major headache, continual coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness. Head congestion as if I had a sinus infection. The right side of my nose was running, uncontrolled, like a hose. Gross. Excessive salivation during the procedure - pillow and hair soaking wet. Also new and gross ;-) Day 2, throat is less sore but headache and congestion remain. I've had IV sedation/general anesthesia many times, but this is the first time for headache, congestion, and runny nose. When I called back to the outpatient center, they told me to follow up with primary care - they felt it was unrelated! Those symptoms are included in the official Propofol Product Insert (from drug mfg). Wish I had read that prior to my 'scope."

• Aar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2016

For Anesthesia "Upper endoscopy with propofol. I'm prone to panic attacks and nervous around drugs. But I can see now why some people call propofol a miracle drug. I had a mild burning sensation in my arm as it was injected, like a slight bee sting, lasted 10 seconds. I don't remember falling asleep, but it must have been 20 seconds or less. I had no memory of the procedure, nor any discomfort. I woke up in a new room what felt like an instant later. Mild aftereffects: drowsy, loopy/euphoric (everything seemed funny), my limbs were heavy and I was a bit unsteady. But I was mentally alert, able to start eating, dressing, and using my phone to type emails within minutes of waking. Easy, easy procedure, so if you're an anxious type like me, don't worry."

• Pro...
• April 30, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy a few days ago and propofol was used as the anesthesia. The doctor said he was injecting it into my IV, and I felt a little burning sensation in my hand, and then I was awake and in the recovery room. No drowsiness, no nausea - I drank some juice, got dressed, and went home, where I felt absolutely fine the rest of the day!"

• lie...
• December 21, 2007

For Anesthesia "I had a procedure yesterday where I was given propofol with lidocaine. I don't know if this is a side effect, but when I went in for the test, I was fine. No s/s of a cold. When I awoke, I was sneezing, had a runny nose, watery eyes that burned when the light hit them. It was s/s of a severe cold. I took Benadryl last night and was better today, but still had it. I have taken Sudafed, and it seems to help. Side effect of the med???? I don't know."

• coc...
• February 26, 2015

For Anesthesia "I am 28 years old, was given propofol for a colonoscopy. I was extremely nervous before the procedure because I had a horrible experience with sedation, apparently, I cannot be sedated. I was wide awake, so I was scared this would be the same. I was wrong. I remember the medicine being put in my IV, my arm started burning a little, and the next thing I knew I was waking up and the nurse saying, 'You're all done!' Immediately, I was awake, no grogginess or side effects. I had a snack and soda and was ready to leave. I felt fine the rest of the day. I am having an EGD for GERD symptoms today, getting propofol again, so not too worried."

• Wif...
• June 22, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy today, and propofol was used as the anesthesia. The doctor said he was injecting it into my IV, and I felt a little burning sensation in my arm, and then I was awake and in the recovery room. I had a little bit of drowsiness, no nausea - I got dressed and went home, where I felt sleepy for the rest of the day!"

• Joe...
• August 26, 2015

For Anesthesia "Was given propofol for colonoscopy. As soon as the nurse gave it to me, my arm started burning like it was being dipped in acid. Unbelievably painful. I sat up and reached to pull the IV out of my arm, and then the drug took effect, and I lost consciousness. It was a barbaric, excruciating experience that thankfully was over quickly. Should have at least warned me that it would hurt."

• Ins...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 10, 2019

For Anesthesia "I receive propofol, Versed, and fentanyl for my procedures every 4-6 weeks. Have them put the IV in your arm, not your hand. It won't burn as much going in. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is not on the same arm as the IV. My experience: I go in, they inject it with the other meds, it burns for a few seconds, I feel tingly and floaty, I can hear the staff talking, but they sound diffuse and muffled. Then the procedure is over, and I'm in post-op. I have no nausea afterward. I'm discharged to home, sleep for a few hours, have a meal, watch movies with hubby, and chill for the day. I'm usually fine the next day. There have been a few times where my energy is zapped the next day, but those are few and far between. I never have any irritation of the mucosal membranes in my nose, mouth, or throat, but everyone is different in how they react. I have found that this cocktail of meds works best for me as I'm hard to sedate. Results may vary from individual to individual."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2010

For Anesthesia "Have been given Propofol for an EGD and an Endoscopic Ultrasound. When I had the EGD, I woke up and about an hour later started with sneezing fits like I had a very bad cold and watery, burning eyes. Lasted all day and most of the night, and was a little better by morning. Thought I just had got a cold. Yesterday, I had the EUS and the same thing happened, so now I know it has to be from the Propofol. Still sneezing this morning and a bit congested. Other than that, Propofol worked very well."

• kja...
• May 15, 2018

For Anesthesia "No more Propofol for me! The procedure itself was fine, but since I was released, I am plagued with violent sneezing, burning eyes, constant dripping nose, and sharp pain in my left nostril. Internet search seems to reveal that it has to do with an extra safety precaution when using Propofol, with forced O2, etc., in the nostrils. Some people said this lasted for four days! I never had any problems with the light sedation, and wish I had been given the choice on whether or not I wanted deep sedation."

• Ano...
• April 16, 2013

For Anesthesia "I'm an anxious person that required an upper endoscopy, small bowel biopsy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. My doc scheduled me to have all 3 procedures done simultaneously using straight propofol with a licensed anesthetist administering it. I experienced absolutely no burning sensation upon injection, even without lidocaine, which I initially requested (they didn't have any on-site). My IV placement (crook of the arm) and generous vein size apparently helped to avoid the burning sensation. The doc asked me if I felt any burning, I said no, and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery. I don't remember any sensation of going under. I woke up about 45 mins later, which is slower than average, but I'm 5'6" and 108 lbs."

• Sga...
• June 6, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy on a Tuesday. No issues with the propofol, and no burning or pain at all. Was out like a light after just a few seconds before the procedure. Woke up just fine. After two days, was able to drive, but still not feeling 100%. By Sunday, still quite tired, sleep each night is very deep, and if I take a nap, it has been extremely difficult to get up. I sometimes feel a bit of a fog, or 'not all there.' I thought by now the stuff would have cleared from my system, but it hasn't. By the way, I don't drink coffee or any other drinks with stimulants. Hoping the stuff will clear out of my system soon, so I can feel normal once again. Propofol works fine for most people, but everyone is different, so there will be differing side effects."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2015

For Anesthesia "Given drug for colonoscopy. Burned going in, but I remember nothing else until I woke up in recovery. I felt awake and alert quickly. Slept 4 hours after coming home. 2 days since the procedure and still feel like my brain is in a fog and generalized weakness."

• abc...
• December 6, 2015

For Anesthesia "Went in for a colonoscopy yesterday. I was pretty anxious, but they reassured me that I would fall asleep within 20 seconds and wake up and ask when I'm having the procedure. They had me turn over on my side and told me they were administering the propofol, and there may be a burning sensation. I felt nothing, and I was probably out in less than 3 seconds. Woke up feeling perfectly fine, no soreness and no wooziness like I had just been knocked out."

• hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2016

For Anesthesia "I am a 72-year-old woman. I had propofol for a heart ablation. They had a hard time trying to start my IV, and when finally in, it was very painful to even move my wrist, but decided to leave it in as it was working, and I didn't want them to dig around any more. In the operating room, they put the oxygen mask on me and then said I would be going to sleep. They said what they were putting in my IV might burn a little. It was horrible! It felt like they poured boiling water on my arm, and it just kept getting more intense. I tried to get away and screamed at them, but they kept up till I passed out. Horrible experience. Have had 6 major surgeries and never had this happen before."

• Alb...
• October 21, 2015

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for a colonoscopy; felt a very slight burning sensation in my hand as the medication went into the IV, and in a few seconds, I was out like a light. I woke up as they were about to wheel my gurney out of the procedure room, completely alert with no hangover effect or grogginess."

• Cha...
• September 16, 2017

For Anesthesia "Severe cramping and burning sensation, almost breathless with pain; my arm went into a spasm. All this lasted about 10-15 seconds - they must have heard me in the waiting room. Just glad it didn't stop my heart."

• Rid...
• July 11, 2013

For Anesthesia "I also had Propofol (with Fentanyl) for a colonoscopy recently. While a nurse was hooking up sensors, the surgeon explained the Fentanyl was for pain; Propofol for sedation. Overall, he said I would be very drowsy during the procedure. He pushed a pre-measured syringe of each with a warning that Propofol might burn a bit. The Fentanyl produced an almost immediate light rush. A few seconds later, the nurse asked if I felt any burning. I answered 'No, but my wrist is a little sore.' My wrist immediately went numb, and as I stared at it, my world went blank. The next thing I knew, I was prying my eyes open, feeling pretty drowsy as well as half tipsy. Someone said 'All done!' and wheeled me to recovery. No bad side effects; good stuff!"

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2016

For Anesthesia "I'm a 33-year-old female with Crohn's disease. I had my 4th colonoscopy done today, and they used propofol. The nurse informed me they started using it about a year ago, and people just love it. I have only had the Versed, and I hated the groggy feeling, as well as the memory loss, and even being sick to my stomach. When they took me back, the anesthesiologist talked to me for a few seconds and then slowly administered the propofol. As I was laying there, my hand started to hurt really bad. I honestly thought the IV had come out! So I pulled my hand out from under the covers and said something about it, and he quickly replied, 'Oh yes, it kinda burns when it goes in.' Next thing I know, I'm in recovery waking up happy AND I remember talking to the doctor! Love it!!"

• 26f...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2015

For Anesthesia "I would rate propofol 8/10 because I had a very intense burning that traveled up my arm for 20-30 seconds during administration. It seems this can be avoided by administering lidocaine first, which not all anesthesiologists do. Burning aside, I couldn't have had a better experience with sedation as I did not experience any side effects, was fairly functional the rest of the day (did sleep a fair bit), and did not remember any of the procedure."

• Mar...
• June 20, 2016

For Anesthesia "Amazingly pleasant drug, incredibly enjoyable! I experienced absolutely no side effects at all, including no burning or stinging during injection at all. I was very, very anxious prior to the procedure as I've never had anything like this before. I assumed I would still be somewhat awake, nervous, uncomfortable, and loopy during my endoscopy... boy, was I wrong! Surprisingly enough, as soon as they just barely started a small amount into the IV, I instantly fell asleep. With this drug, you are still able to breathe and all for yourself. It really is just like taking a wonderfully deep nap, and believe me, I was a skeptic! I was so worried about when I would 'wake up.' Truly to my surprise, I felt AMAZING and so REFRESHED!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2016

For Anesthesia "I had an upper GI endoscopy a few days ago and was so nervous about being awake during the procedure. I guessed that propofol would be used, so I read these reviews and they made me less worried. I went in for my procedure and was so relieved that the propofol worked so well that I laughed about how worried I was once I woke up in recovery. It was so nice that I could do it again tomorrow, I said. They started putting it through the IV and told me I might feel a burning sensation. I barely felt anything, but I had a weird smell-type sensation. Ten seconds later, I was out and waking up in recovery!! I was a tad loopy, but within a few minutes, I was normal. I took a nap when I got home, then had more energy than I had in days. I felt great!!"

• Anonymous
• January 26, 2012

For Anesthesia "Just had propofol administered today after a colonoscopy. There was a slight burning sensation once given, but I fell asleep and didn't feel a thing during the procedure, which was good. I woke up laughing and had what seemed like a slight cold (sneezing and watery eyes for a little bit). The laughing didn't stop for about an hour. It was not an unpleasant experience, but some people who have this reaction may feel a bit embarrassed!"

• Ms...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2016

For Anesthesia "Had another colonoscopy done and highly recommend propofol. I met with the anesthetist the day before and did my own research. Had a couple of questions, most likely because of Michael Jackson. A little burning when the drug is administered, and I was able to taste it, as some patients are. No side effects except for sleeping most of the day."