PLENVU Preparation

PLENVU Preparation for a Colonoscopy

In order to achieve an accurate evaluation of your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is important that you properly prepare for the procedure. Doctors are able to obtain the clearest view of the bowel when it is flushed completely free of waste material. The thoroughness of this intestinal cleaning depends on you. Without your cooperation, the examination cannot accomplish its purpose and may have to be repeated.

If you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as (but not limited to) those listed below, please discuss this with your Health Care Provider. In most circumstances, these medications are temporarily discontinued prior to your procedure.

• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Persantine (dipyridamole)
• Aggrenox (aspirin-dipyridamole)
• Effient (prasugrel)
• Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate)
• Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
• Eliquis (apixaban)

Certain weight reduction and diabetic medications can slow the emptying of the stomach and increase the risk of aspiration when sedated for the procedure. Some of these medications need held up to a week before the procedure. If you have not reviewed your medications with us, please contact the office to review. Using the patient portal is the best and most efficient way to communicate with us.

If you have questions or you need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please message us through your patient portal or call (717) 761-0930.

Note; our instructions for the PLENVU differ slightly from the package inset. Please follow our instructions.

Supplies

1. PLENVU Bowel Preparation Kit – Prescription sent to your local pharmacy.

5 Days Before Procedure

1. Do not take any ibuprofen products (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS). Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed.  If you are on aspirin, you may continue the aspirin.
2. Do not take oral iron tablets.
3. Avoid foods that contain seeds or nuts. These foods take longer to pass through the bowel and should be avoided.

The Day Before Procedure

1. You will need to follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your procedure. We ask that you avoid dark colored clear liquids (red, purple, or dark blue). NO milk products, NO vegetables, NO breads or grains, NO meats and NO fats or oils are allowed. By rule of thumb, a clear liquid is one that can be seen through. Some examples include clear juices without pulp, clear soda, chicken or beef broth, popsicles, Jell-O, Italian ice, tea, coffee, clear hard candy, etc. If you are diabetic, drink regular (non-diet) liquids in moderation throughout the day.
2. You may take your regularly prescribed medication (except for blood thinners and oral iron, as instructed by your nurse).

First Dose of the Preparation

1. At 5:00 p.m. the day before the procedure, empty the powder in the dose one packet into the container included in the kit.  Fill the container with at least 16 ounces of water and mix the solution which may take several minutes.   Some prefer the solution cold, and you can premix and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before taking.  Drink the prep solution over 30 minutes.  If you become uncomfortably full or nauseous, take a break and then resume after 10 to 15 minutes.  You can also take smaller sips.
2. Follow with another 16 ounces of clear liquids, taken at your own pace.  You can also continue to take clear liquids.  Most will begin to have bowel movements within 2 to 3 hours but others may take longer.

Second Dose of Preparation

1. Seven (7) hours before the procedure, mix the contents of pouch A and pouch B with at least 16 ounces of water again using the container in the kit.  Drink the solution again over 30 minutes.  You may again feel full and uncomfortable which will pass once your bowels begin to move.
2. Follow the second dose of PLENVU with 16 ounces of water.  You must have completed the prep four (4) hours prior to your scheduled procedure time.

NOTES:

1.  If you are scheduled for an early morning procedure, you will need to set your alarm to assure the preparation is taken at the correct time. We are aware of the inconvenience and your disrupted sleep, but the two-stage prep provides a superior cleansing of the colon.  Many studies have confirmed that the two-stage prep with the second stage completed by 4 hours before the procedure provides a superior prep, increases identification of pre-malignant polyps and reduces the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
2.  It is normal to feel very “full” or “bloated” during your prep. Some people may also experience nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, simply wait about 30 minutes before resuming drinking. This will likely disappear once bowel movements begin. If the vomiting resumes, please call our office.
3.  If your bowel movements are not clear or pale yellow after completing the prep, please call our office at (717) 761-0930.

On the Day of the Procedure

1. Do not have anything to eat.
2. Stop drinking clear liquids 4 hours prior to your procedure. No chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco within 4 hours prior to your procedure.
3. At 6:00 a.m., take any currently prescribed heart and blood pressure medications (except for blood thinners as detailed above), with a sip of water.
4. If you are diabetic: Do not take your diabetic medication (pills or insulin) the morning of your procedure. If you normally monitor your blood sugars at home, please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure. If your blood sugar is over 150 or below 90, please contact the West Shore Endoscopy Center at (717) 975-2430. An anesthesia specialist will provide you with further instructions.
5. Please report to your appointment as scheduled. NOTE: Plan to be at the procedure center for about two to two and one-half hours.
6. A driver must come with you in order to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your colonoscopy. You may not drive or work for 12 hours after the procedure. For late afternoon procedures, drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. The West Shore Endoscopy Center closes at 4:00 p.m.