Colonoscopy Prep FAQs

Frequently asked colonoscopy prep questions

What is a colonoscopy prep?

A colonoscopy prep is a prescription medicine that causes diarrhea as a way to flush solid waste from your colon. This helps give your doctor a clear view of your entire colon during colonoscopy.

What kinds of colonoscopy preps are available?

There are many varieties of prescription prep medications available that use different methods to flush out the colon. Some people are advised by their healthcare provider to use over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives to prepare for colonoscopy, but these are not FDA approved for colonoscopy
preparation.

How important is it that I complete my colonoscopy prep?

Very important. Solid waste can block your doctor's view of the walls of your colon—potentially resulting in missed lesions or polyps, which can grow into cancer if they are not detected and removed. Completing your colonoscopy prep will help ensure that your doctor has a clear view of your colon. However, if you have any trouble, don't understand the prep instructions, or have any questions about the bowel prep medication prescribed for you, you should call your doctor.

What other colonoscopy prep information do I need to know?

You will need to take additional steps to prepare in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure. To learn more, check out our sample colonoscopy timetable pdf icon, and sign up to download the My MoviMent Prep Kit.

Important Safety Information about MOVIPREP

MOVIPREP® (PEG-3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid for oral solution) is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. MOVIPREP is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, bowel perforation, gastric retention, ileus, toxic colitis or toxic megacolon, and patients who have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to any of its components. MOVIPREP should be used with caution in patients at risk of or with fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatremia, arrhythmias, seizures, in patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that affect renal function, patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease, patients with suspected GI obstruction or perforation, patients at risk for aspiration, and patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Most common adverse reactions for split dosing (incidence ≥5%) are malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions for evening only dosing (incidence ≥5%) are abdominal distension, anal discomfort, thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disorder, rigors, hunger, malaise, vomiting, and dizziness. MOVIPREP contains 233 mg of phenylalanine per treatment. Advise patients to hydrate adequately before, during, and after the use of MOVIPREP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/ or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Complete Prescribing Information pdf icon

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