SUTAB Preparation

SUTAB Preparation for 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.

Supplies

1. SUTAB Bowel Prep Kit – Prescription sent to your local pharmacy.

5 Days Before Procedure

1. Do not take any ibuprofen or similar 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, it is important to drink regular (non-diet) liquids in moderation throughout the day.
2. At 5:00 p.m.
   1. Open one of the two bottles in the kit. It will contain 12 tablets.
   2. Fill the plastic container that comes with the kit with water (there is a line on the container).
   3. Swallow one tablet at a time with a sip of water. Spread the time to take the 12 tablets over 15 to 20 minutes.  If you run out of water, you can take more water.  If you become uncomfortable, you can spread the time over 20 to 30 minutes.
   4. About one hour after taking the last tablet, fill the container with water again (it will be about 16 ounces) and drink over 30 minutes.
   5. About 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, fill the container again with water and drink that over 30 minutes.
3. Note; we are all different. Some people will have a rapid response with bowel movements shortly after beginning the preparation while others will take longer.

Second Dose of Preparation

1. Seven (7) hours before your scheduled procedure, repeat all the same steps as above using the second bottle of tablets.
2. It is important to have completed all these steps at least 4 hours before your colonoscopy.

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 (and apologize) 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.  Sipping some ginger ale can help.  Walking around can also help move the fluid downstream and relieve the nausea. The nausea will likely disappear once bowel movements begin. If the vomiting becomes persistent, please call our office at (717) 761-0930.
3. If your bowel movements are not clear or pale yellow an hour 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. 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.
3. If you are diabetic: Do not take your diabetic medications (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.
4. You may drink clear liquids until 4 hours before your procedure.   No chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco should be consumed no less than 4 hours before your appointment.
5. Please report to your appointment at the scheduled time. 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 for 12 hours after the procedure. For later afternoon procedures, drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. The West Shore Endoscopy Center closes at 4:00 p.m..