and the factors that
influence its development. We also have effective screening tools that aid in its early detection. Simple lifestyle
changes and widespread routine screening could prevent more than half of all instances of colon cancer.
In theory, this could prevent 74,000 cases of colon cancer and nearly 28,000 deaths per
year in the United States.
. If colon cancer does occur, it's treated more successfully when caught early. In fact,
more than 90% of people diagnosed when the cancer is confined to the colon or rectum survive more than 5
years.
Still, less than 50% of Americans aged 50 and older are routinely screened.
Important Safety Information about OsmoPrep
WARNINGS
There have been rare, but serious reports of acute phosphate nephropathy in patients who received oral sodium phosphate products for colon cleansing prior
to colonoscopy. Some cases have resulted in permanent impairment of renal function and some patients required long–term dialysis. While some
cases have occurred in patients without identifiable risk factors, patients at increased risk of acute phosphate nephropathy may include those with
increased age, hypovolemia, increased bowel transit time (such as bowel obstruction), active colitis, or baseline kidney disease, and those using
medicines that affect renal perfusion or function (such as diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers
[ARBs], and possibly nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]).
It is important to use the dose and dosing regimen as recommended (PM/AM split dose).
Please see full Prescribing Information for OsmoPrep, including BOXED WARNING.
OsmoPrep® (sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, USP, and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, USP) Tablets are indicated for cleansing
of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. Considerable caution should be advised before OsmoPrep is used in
patients with severe renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, ascites, unstable angina, gastric retention, ileus, severe chronic constipation,
bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, gastric bypass or stapling surgery, or hypomotility syndrome. Use with caution in patients with impaired renal
function, patients with a history of seizures or at higher risk of seizure, patients with higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias, known or suspected electrolyte
disturbances (such as dehydration), or people taking drugs that affect electrolyte levels. Patients with electrolyte abnormalities such as
hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypokalemia, or hypocalcemia should have their electrolytes corrected before treatment with OsmoPrep.
OsmoPrep is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sodium phosphate salts or any of its ingredients, and in patients with
biopsy–proven acute phosphate nephropathy. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (reporting frequency >3%) were
abdominal bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. It is recommended that patients receiving OsmoPrep be advised to adequately hydrate before,
during, and after the use of OsmoPrep.
References
- Tomeo CA, Colditz GA, Willett WC, et al. Harvard report on cancer prevention. Volume 3: prevention of colon cancer
in the United States. Cancer Causes Control. 1999;10:167-180.
- Cancer stat fact sheets: cancer of the colon and rectum. Available at: http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect_print.html.
Accessed April 12, 2007.
- Colon Cancer Alliance. Disease information: CRC facts & figures. Available at: http://www.ccalliance.org/about/disease/crcfacts.html.
Accessed April 12, 2007.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancercolorectal cancer screening rates. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/screening_rates.htm.
Accessed April 12, 2007.