Glossary
Barium enema
See
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE).
Biopsy
Small amount of tissue removed during colonoscopy for further examination.
Bowel prep
See
Colonoscopy prep.
Colon
Final 6-foot-long segment of the digestive tract that removes solid waste from the body; it is part of the large intestine.
Colon cancer
A cancer that develops in the bowel or rectum.
Learn more here.
Colon prep
See
Colonoscopy prep.
Colonoscope
A long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor used to visually examine the inside of the colon.
Colonoscopy
Procedure to examine the entire colon.
Learn more here.
Colonoscopy prep
Regimen prescribed by a physician to clean out the colon, usually used prior to a colonoscopy or other screening procedure.
Also known as a bowel prep, colonoscopy preparation, and colon prep.
Colonoscopy preparation
See
Colonoscopy prep.
Colorectal cancer
See
Colon cancer.
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)
A colon cancer screening method that uses a liquid put into the colon and rectum using an enema (a tube inserted into the
rectum) and that enables healthcare providers to view a detailed outline of the colon and rectum using an x-ray. Also referred
to as a
barium enema.
Fecal occult blood test
A colon cancer screening method used to determine if blood is present in the stool.
Hydration
Drinking liquid to restore or maintain fluid balance; an essential component of a safe, effective colonoscopy prep.
PEG (polyethylene glycol) lavage
A colonoscopy prep that uses up to 4 liters of nonabsorbable liquids to create a plunger effect to push waste out of the colon.
Polyp
An abnormal tissue growth that can be found in the bowel. If not detected and removed, it can develop into cancer.
Rectum
The final section of the bowel, where waste is stored until the next bowel movement removes it from the body.
Sigmoidoscopy
Procedure to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum.
Sodium phosphate solution
A colonoscopy prep that uses 2 to 3 glasses of salt solution plus additional liquids. The solution draws water into the
colon and flushes out the waste.
Sodium phosphate tablets
A colonoscopy prep that consists of virtually tasteless tablets, taken with any clear liquid. The sodium phosphate draws
water into the colon and flushes out waste.
Virtual colonoscopy
A relatively new colon cancer screening method that uses imaging machinery with a software technology that enables a view
inside the colon without needing to insert an instrument into the colon. Also called computerized topographic (CT)
colonography or magnetic resonance (MR) colonography.
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.