SUFLAVE™ Preparation for Colonoscopy

SUFLAVE™ 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)

This bowel preparation should not be used if you have a history of congestive heart failure, renal failure or renal impairment.

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 are commonly called GLP-1 medications.  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 your patient portal is the best and most efficient way to communicate with us.

Note; our instructions for the SUFLAVE™ may differ slightly from the package inset.  Please follow our instructions.

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

Supplies

1. SUFLAVE™ 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, 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 above).
3. Follow the instructions below for the procedure preparation.

First Dose of the Preparation

1. At 5:00 p.m., open the packet and empty the powder into the container included in the kit. You can also add the flavor packet if you would like.
2. Fill the container with the powder with water to the fill line. Cap the bottle and gentle shake the mixture. Some prefer to drink the solution chilled, and you can place the container in the refrigerator in advance for up to 24 hours.
3. Drink the solution over the next 30 to 60 minutes until the container is empty. Some prefer to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes while other prefer to go more slowly.  You will want to finish the solution within an hour of beginning.
4. Drink at least an additional 16 ounces of water or other clear liquid over the next 2 to three hours.

1. Most will begin to have bowel movements within 2 to 3 hours after beginning the preparation, but others may take longer.

Second Dose of Preparation

1. Seven (7) hours before your scheduled procedure, empty the second powder packet into the container included in the kit.  You can also add the flavor packet if you would like. Add water to the 16-ounce line on the container and mix.
2. Drink the solution over the next 30 to 60 minutes. You must have completed the prep 4 hours prior to your 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 (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 second part of 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..