TELL A FRIEND ABOUT OSMOPREP Mail a Friend

Send a friend a link to this page.

Your Name:
Your E-mail:
Friend's Name:
Friend's E-mail:

Send me a copy of this e-mail
Send me updates about OsmoPrep

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR COLON CANCER?

TAKE THE RISK ASSESSMENT NOW

Print this page:

Font Size:

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.¹ Colon cancer (also referred to as colorectal cancer) begins as a small lesion or polyp in the colon that most people would not be able to feel. Over time, the polyp could begin to grow slowly and eventually become cancerous. This may be the only time a person begins experiencing symptoms associated with colon cancer. Most of the time, colon cancer is treatable when it is detected early.

Symptoms of colon cancer may vary from person to person, but there may be no signs at all.

If you experience these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have colon cancer; they are simply the symptoms seen most often with colon cancer.

Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
Anemia
Blood in the stool
Change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or other)
Obstructive symptoms
Rectal bleeding
Weakness
Weight loss

If you experience any of these signs, please discuss them with your healthcare provider immediately. Your healthcare provider can determine your level of risk and proceed with the proper course of action.

Since polyps in the colon can develop into cancer, it's essential that they are detected early and removed. This can happen with routine examination.

Why is colon cancer screening important even when you have no symptoms?

Polyps may develop in the colon and grow for years. In this time they can become cancerous, without any sign of symptoms. By the time symptoms occur, the cancer may not be curable. It may have also spread. Routine colon cancer screening can catch polyps early and actually prevent cancer from occurring.

How can you prevent colon cancer?

Are you at risk for colon cancer?

Send a colonoscopy e-card on the importance of getting screened

What is a colonosocopy?

Reference

Colon Cancer Alliance. Disease information: CRC facts & figures. Available at: http://www.ccalliance.org/about/disease/crcfacts.html. Accessed May 11, 2007.

Important Information About OsmoPrep

OsmoPrep Tablets are used to clean the colon before colonoscopy in adults aged 18 years or older. Do not take OsmoPrep if you are allergic or hypersensitive to sodium phosphate salts or to any of the ingredients in OsmoPrep. Before considering OsmoPrep, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, any kidney impairment such as electrolyte disturbances, any abdominal problems such as bowel obstruction or motility issues, and any history of seizures. Also tell your doctor about any medications that you are taking or if you may be pregnant. The most common side effects in studies with OsmoPrep were abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Adequate hydration before, during, and after the use of OsmoPrep Tablets is recommended.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Consult with your physician to see if this product is right for you.

Copyright ©2008 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Legal Restrictions and the Privacy Policy.