Frequently asked questions about OsmoPrep
What is OsmoPrep?
OsmoPrep is a prescription medicine in the form of hard, white to off-white tablets. It is used to clean the colon prior
to
colonoscopy in adults aged 18 years or older. OsmoPrep cleanses the colon by inducing diarrhea.
Who should NOT take OsmoPrep?
Do not take OsmoPrep if you are allergic to or have a hypersensitivity to sodium phosphate salts or to any of the ingredients
in OsmoPrep. In addition, OsmoPrep is not approved for use in patients younger than 18 years. Ask your doctor if you have
any questions about whether OsmoPrep is safe for you.
What should I tell my doctor before taking OsmoPrep?
Your doctor needs to know your medical history to decide if OsmoPrep is right for you. Tell your doctor about all of your
medical conditions, including if you have a history of the following:
- Renal (kidney) insufficiency
- Electrolyte disorders
- Congestive heart failure or other heart-related issues
- Unstable angina (chest pain due to blockage in the hearts blood vessels)
- Gastrointestinal obstruction or motility issues, including constipation
- Colitis or other colon-related health issues
- Bowel perforation
- Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity)
- Gastric bypass or stapling surgery
- Seizures
- If you think you may be pregnant
In addition, make sure your doctor is aware of any medications that you are taking, especially any of the following:
- Diuretics
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
What are the ingredients in OsmoPrep?
Active ingredient: sodium phosphate
Inactive ingredients: polyethylene glycol 8000, magnesium stearate
OsmoPrep is gluten-free.
What are the possible side effects of OsmoPrep?
The most common side effects with OsmoPrep are abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other
less common side effects include dizziness and headache. These are not all of the possible side effects associated
with OsmoPrep. For more information, ask a healthcare professional.
How should I take OsmoPrep?
Follow the instructions exactly as given to you by your doctor. OsmoPrep Tablets should be swallowed whole with
the clear liquid of your choice. You should drink one 8-oz glass of clear liquid with each 4-tablet dose of OsmoPrep.
It is important to complete the entire regimen as instructed by your doctor.
How long does it take for OsmoPrep to work?
People typically experience a bowel movement within a couple hours of starting the prep, but this varies from
person to person. If you have experienced no effects after several hours, you should consult your physician.
Why is it important to stay hydrated while taking OsmoPrep?
To prevent dehydration, drink the prescribed amount of clear liquids while taking OsmoPrep, and make a conscious effort
to remain adequately hydrated before, during, and after the use of OsmoPrep.
How should I store OsmoPrep?
Store at room temperature (59-86°F or 15-30°C).
General information about OsmoPrep
Do not use OsmoPrep to treat a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not share OsmoPrep with other people.
Keep out of reach of children.
This is a summary of important information about OsmoPrep. For more information, consult a doctor or call 800-508-0024.
OsmoPrep comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
How to take OsmoPrep
Questions to ask your healthcare provider about colonoscopies and preps
What happens during a colonoscopy?
References
- Rex DK, Schwartz H, Goldstein M, et al. Safety and colon-cleansing efficacy of a new residue-free formulation of sodium phosphate tablets. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:2594-2604.
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.