Colonoscopy screening versus diagnostic colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is conducted for 2 general reasons—screening and diagnosis.
Colonoscopy screening
Colonoscopy screenings are performed to detect signs of colon cancer, even when there are no apparent symptoms of colon or other gastrointestinal (GI) issues. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that both men and women have their first colonoscopy screening at age 50, unless the person may benefit from a colonoscopy at an earlier age due to certain risk factors.1 After the first colonoscopy, the ACS recommends having a follow-up colonoscopy every 10 years, unless the initial colonoscopy reveals something that may necessitate a shorter interval between exams.1 Other screening methods may include flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and virtual colonoscopy.
Diagnostic colonoscopy
A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed if symptoms of colon cancer or GI issues are present, or if other tests yield abnormal results.
If a colon polyp or other abnormality is discovered during the exam, your colonoscopy screening may become diagnostic. Some insurance companies handle colonoscopy screenings and diagnostic colonoscopies differently, so be sure to discuss your options with both your healthcare provider and your insurance provider.
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 