Preparing for a colonoscopy
The few days before a colonoscopy are extremely important to ensure that the colon is clear of all waste. Here
are a few tips that could help you in the few days before a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy preparation tips
Talk to your doctor.
Discuss the different colonoscopy prep options, and choose one that is most likely to provide you with a safe,
effective, and tolerable prep.
Watch what you eat.
Most healthcare providers will recommend a specific diet to be followed for the prep to be more effective.
Follow your physician’s recommendations about what you can and cannot eat before a colonoscopy.
Complete the prep.
A clean colon results in the most effective
colonoscopy, and your prep is more likely to be thorough if
you complete the entire regimen. Be sure to read all prep instructions, follow the recommendations for a
precolonoscopy diet, and complete each step when instructed.
While it’s not the most pleasant thought, understand that after you take your prep, you will experience a
significant amount of “bathroom time.” The prep is meant to give you diarrhea, the action that cleanses
the colon. It’s also a sign that your prep is working. Many who have undergone bowel cleansing recommend the
use of ointments and wet wipes to greatly reduce the effects of significant amounts of bathroom time.
Follow your physician’s instructions.
Your physician will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy—follow
them exactly.
Stay hydrated.
Drink at least the amount of fluid required by the prep—
hydration
before, during, and after the prep and colonoscopy procedure is very important. Colonoscopy preps cause the body
to lose a significant amount of fluid. It’s important that you prepare the body by drinking before the prep, stay
hydrated by drinking during the prep, and replenish your system by drinking after the prep. If your body does
not have the necessary amount of liquids you can get very sick. So make an effort to drink extra liquid for a
few days before your procedure, and this will leave your body in good shape to avoid dehydration.
Because of the sedatives used during the colonoscopy, you will not be allowed to drive and should find
someone to transport you home.
Pass on the word.
Now that you’ve learned the value of getting screened for colon cancer, tell those you know about the
importance of getting screened. It could save a life.
Why do you need a bowel prep?
Learn about the colonoscopy prep that’s a pill, not a liquid.
How can you prevent colon cancer?
What is a colonoscopy?
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.
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