Dr. Metzger Says He Warned MJ Against Propofol

Dr. Allan Metzger, one of Michael Jackson's former doctors, recently warned Michael of the dangers of using the powerful anesthetic propofol. This is according to Dr. Metzger's attorney, Harlan Braun.

Dr. Metzger is a rheumatologist who also specializes in internal medicine. Michael had been a patient of Dr. Metzger's prior to 2003. He paid a visit to Michael's home in April.

His lawyer Brain said in a statement to People:

"Jackson was looking for propofol and Dr. Metzger turned him down and advised him how dangerous it was. Apparently, Jackson was shopping around for the drug or looking for someone to administer it to him."

Michael also asked the doctor questions regarding the children's immunizations and general nutrition.

Braun confirmed that Dr. Metzger was subpoenaed in June by the Los Angeles coroner for a search of Michael's medical records. This makes Dr. Metzger at least the fourth doctor to have their files searched in the investigation.

Mr. Braun added:

"All my client did was turn down Michael's request for the drug and warn him of the dangers. Dr. Metzger did nothing wrong, and he's now a potential witness who can testify that Jackson was looking for the drug.

Doctors have a duty to protect their client's privacy. Using false names for prescriptions is the only way to prevent a celebrity from being physically and emotionally harmed by the disclosure of their medical needs."

He added that he assumes Dr. Metzger wrote Michael prescriptions under a pseudonym when he treated him prior to 2003.

"It's common practice even though it's illegal, which many doctors don't even know because they think more like doctors than lawyers. But there's no protection against pharmacy workers selling private information to the tabloids."

Public records show that Dr. Metzger was reprimanded in 2000 by the California Medical Board for using a fictitious name to write Janet Jackson a prescription.

Source: MJFC / People.com