Ask questions to understand
colon cancer
Colon (or colorectal) cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second
leading cancer-related cause of death in the United States, but it is unique—it is
preventable with early detection.
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If you're unfamiliar with
colon cancer, this is a great place to start. Your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist want you to get
the information you need to stay healthy. Print this sheet, and use it as a reminder of what you need to ask at your next
medical visit.
What is colon cancer?
What is the colon/rectum?
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
How is colon cancer detected?
How common is colon cancer?
What are the treatments for colon cancer?
How can I prevent colon cancer?
What are the risk factors for developing colon cancer?
What are the stages of colon cancer?
Click for questions you can ask your healthcare provider about
colonoscopies and preps.
What is a colonosocopy?
What happens during a colonoscopy procedure?
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.
References
- Colon Cancer Alliance. Disease information: CRC facts & figures. Available at: http://www.ccalliance.org/about/disease/crcfacts.html.
Accessed May 11, 2007.