Why is a bowel prep necessary?
The colon
needs to be completely emptied of all stool before a colonoscopy can be performed. If waste is inside the colon
when the procedure is performed, the physician may be unable to view the inside surface of the colon clearly.
When the view of the colon surface is obscured, it can lead to a longer exam and can reduce its accuracy. It may
also make it necessary for a second exam or could lead to remaining undiagnosed conditions.
The objective of a bowel prep is to remove all solid waste in the digestive tract quickly, which in turn will
cause diarrhea, leaving the colon clean. The prep must be completed correctly before the
colon can be examined.
OsmoPrep Tablets are the latest advancement in the evolution of
colonoscopy prep.
Because OsmoPrep is a tablet colon
prep, not a liquid, you only taste the clear liquid you take it with...not the prep.
There are several different bowel preps available. Take the time to discuss your options with your
healthcare professional.
Sodium phosphate tablets prep
These
virtually tasteless tablets
are taken in a series with clear liquid. They cause the colon to absorb water from the body and flush out solid waste.
PEG (polyethylene glycol) lavage prep
A flushing effect is created to remove solid waste from the colon when up to 4 liters of nonabsorbable liquid is
consumed. Sometimes the PEG prep will also require the patient to use laxatives and drink other additional liquids.
Sodium phosphate solution prep
This method allows for the absorption of water into the colon to remove solid waste. Along with 2 to 3 glasses
of a sodium phosphate solution, a person will need to consume additional clear liquids.
It is important that you understand how to finish your bowel prep successfully and know you will need to alter
your normal dietary habits for a few days before the colonoscopy. The key to a successful colonoscopy is to
follow your healthcare professional’s bowel prep instructions.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider about colonoscopies.
Learn more about OsmoPrep — the tablet colonoscopy prep.
What is a colonosocopy?
What happens during 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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