While we wait…..i always just to the over the counter prep supplies. I’ve never hear of a prescription kit.

What have you done in the past?

Have you talked to the pharmacist about an alternative? They might be able to make a recommendation.

I've always been given a prep kit from the dr's office, not an Rx.

Re OTC, just be sure you are using the right stuff. There are 2 different kinds of prep and one is not appropriate for people with certain medical conditions. IIRC it has something to do with electrolyte imbalance, kidney function and such.

I’ve had probably five of these over the years, with the same doctor, and the prep was different each time. The last was all OTC.

Learn from my mistake. The prescription stuff didn't work, and I had to go back and do it all over again in 6 months. I have used the OTC stuff ever since. DH uses the prescription. It must just be my body.

I too have had several colonoscopies over the years, the most recent a year or two ago. Each time it was slightly different prep, and the most recent time I did purchase some OTC thing for at the Dr office ( for convenience). I think they said I could purchase at the drug store for less, but for convenience I just bought it there. I don't think it was more than $30.

Annie raises a good point - ask the Dr office and the pharmacy just to make sure you are looking at the appopriate ( for you) products.

The past two colonoscopies, I've received prescription for the prep. Always used MiraLax in the past. So the first time, I got the prep and used it, which made me dreadfully sick. The taste is horrid to me, and I didn't make it through the halfway point. Got out the MiraLax I'd bought before the prescription came in, and finished off with that. Told the doc ... Never Again on the prescription.

Well, of course his standard procedure is to use the prescription, so they gave me that again last year. I asked if the solution had changed and he said no, so I explained I wouldn't be using it. Used MiraLax again and afterwards asked if it had "done the job" and he said yes.

So ask your doctor's office for the instructions when using MiraLax or the OTC of your choice. You don't HAVE to use the prescription, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it.

I've had exactly one colonoscopy and it was two years ago. The doctor gave me a seven day diet in which I was to only eat allowed foods during each day of the diet. The diet became more restrictive each day. On the last 24 hours I had two bottles of something that I don't remember. They were smaller than whatever my husband had been given in the past. My prep was more pleasant??? than my husband's. It wasn't nearly as bad as people complain about.

The doctor's office gave me the prep. I didn't have to go anywhere else for it. No telling how much it cost because it was covered by insurance.

My prep instructions--and EVERYONE I knows' are always for over the counter things. None of it 'medicine'. Have you had questionable results in the past? Sounds very scammy to me.

My husband has a colonoscopy every 5 years. His mother died of colon cancer. Neither of us uses anything prescription...just Miralax and eating foods on the list. Link to low fiber foods charts and when to take the Miralax(the instructions say prescription, but Miralax is plenty). Neither of us has ever had a problem or needed to repeat the procedure....it works! We also have a favorite doctor, we trust him, he's through, and pay for the procedure out-of-pocket.

I’ve had three and the last two preps weren’t bad at all. The prep kits came from the doc’s office. No cost with insurance but this last time they told me it would have been $35. The main prep was really just the last couple days. For me, I found it easiest to get the drink mix ice cold and drink it fast. The taste didn’t bother me at all (ice cold helps). It was more an issue of my stomach being so full of it.

My last prep, three days ago, specifically stated NOT to refrigerate it.

Cindy, it might depend on what they give you. Mine have always said to mix ahead and chill. Room temp would not work for me.

I did the Miralax prep in order to prepare for a surgical polyp removal. The instructions stated to mix the prep with any clear liquid in the amount specified. I used water and ended up in the ICU with very low sodium levels. After 2 days in the hospital trying to raise my sodium to an acceptable level, I had my surgery. I would say the Miralax prep was fine, but they should specify the liquid to be used and make sure you are getting enough sodium, potassium and electrolytes and not depleting your body. I told my doctor to be more specific in the future in his printed instructions, but I don't know that he ever heeded my input.

chloebud - It was Clenpiq. The instructions from my dr. said not to refrigerate.

I have only used a prescription preparation, called Suprep. I only had to pay a co-pay. There is now a generic of this prep, which retails for $37 with a GoodRx coupon. (Btw, it was very easy to use, and I was told the prep was very good).

Hope you can find a more reasonably priced alternative!

I found I do well following a low-residue diet for a day or two before hand, then do the prep with their diet instructions of only clear liquids and nothing red.

Cindy, I found the prep instructions from my last colonoscopy in 2022. My kit included gatorade powder, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets and Miralax (vs Clenpiq). It said early in the day prior to the day of the procedure mix the gatorade powder with 1/2 gallon of water and chill well in fridge. Then you mix in the Miralax a couple hours before drinking and keep chilled before drinking the first dose at 4:00 PM. I just can’t imagine drinking that stuff at room temp.

I did notice my paperwork showed my doc’s office has 13 different prep kits, so they could just differ. One of them did list Clenpiq.

DH had one last week - Ducolax. Miralax and gatorade.

For my last two my GI gave me Suprep. I'lm scheduled for April and since I know that Suprep works well for me I'll request it again - it was easy and tolerable.

My last colonoscopy (August 2023) was with the prescription pill - Sutab. It was crazy expensive but the manufacturer had some sort of deal in which I got it for $50 I think as long as I agreed not to purchase it using my Medicare Part D. I still had to restrict my diet and drink lots of water but at least it wasn't the nasty liquid prep that I hate. Worked great.

Clenpig is what was ordered for me by prescription. $193.00 is not acceptable to me. My doctor, unbeknownst to me, ordered a Cologard kit that was delivered to me. I see no reason for this. I did not have to pay for this test as my insurance will cover this cost but in the end I feel like we all have to pay for this double testing. I am beyond frustrated.

My last colonoscopy was because I had done the Cologard ( at home) as part of an annual check up. I was notified that my test was positive. At first, duh, I thought, cool, positive, good result. Then I realized I was totally mistaken. Anyway since I had the positive, I was scheduled for a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy was totally uneventful and might I say, clean. The Dr said there was nothing, no polyps, nothing to check further and he would see me in 8 to 10 years.

I' was relieved that nothing was found, and it was a false positive on the cologard. Ibut maybe not a huge fan of cologard)

“Ducolax. Miralax and gatorade.”

That was mine, too. Same doctor just had my wife do a prep where they gave two bottles of a liquid. For reasons, they thought she’d be harder to cleanse. Also just a one day fast. A friend just had some five day regimen and was complaining about the cost. I see a multi-day mentioned above. I wonder why that is.

same as foodonastump.

start with ducolax, then miralax mixed with orange, clear or lemon-lime gatorade/powerade. no red or purple. can also use Smart Water, anything with electrolytes.

my office sent VERY clear instructions to start one week in advance, eliminating certain foods- nuts, berries popcorn - anything hard and with seeds.

i had one of the easiest preps following their instructions and i told the so! they texted me every day for 7 days prior, telling what to do and offering words of encouragement to keep me on track. it was great!!

first one, not so much. only started eating appropriately 3 days prior and it was AWFUL.

advice, start a week prior with your diet!!

Mine actually started 3 days prior to the procedure. Instructions said to drink at least 8 glasses of water (or clear liquids), stop any fiber supplements, eat well balanced meals and avoid raw fruits/veggies, nuts, popcorn and foods with small seeds. Same thing two days before with no solid food after midnight. Day three started the strict, clear diet all day, Bisacodyl tablets and Miralax. It wasn’t that bad and all went well.

I think there were other meds you had to stop taking maybe 5 days prior. Just can’t recall them all.

Which sedative are you being given for the procedure? Insist on the one the MDs use -- not the old Versed that can leave you with brain fog for weeks/months.

chisue, you just reminded me of how nauseous I got from the sedative after my second colonoscopy. Thankfully it didn’t last long and definitely no brain fog. I don’t know what they used but the next one was no problem.

DH and I both had propofol for all our colonoscopies. Between us we've probably had at least 10. Never any issue with it.

HU3458, a pill! I have always wondered why they couldn't develop a pill to replace that awful prep. I am due in the summer, so I will definitely ask about that!

Gigi, I don’t understand why you were given a Cologard kit if you have a colonoscopy scheduled. Can you elaborate on that? And when is your C’scope scheduled?

For all those who recommended a low residue diet for a week, I totally agree, it makes the day of prep much easier. For specific foods to eat and avoid, google low FODMAP foods.

And really dosing of Dulcolax is just a stool softener which may/may not help. And Miralax may not be good for everyone. I cannot use it, having had bouts of colitis in the past, so it is always best to consult before using. Some have had violent reactions to Miralax.

I don’t undergo sedation for colonoscopies. It’s not necessary. It’s no more painful than light menstrual cramping, at least for me.

maire-cat, you just made me remember it was propofol for my last one in late 2022. So much better than whatever they gave me for the one before that. They likely told me but I forgot what it was. They assured me propofol wouldn’t cause nausea. They were right!

Regarding no sedation, I can‘t speak for a colonoscopy since I’ve always been sedated. However, I had a sigmoidoscopy long ago with no sedation. Never again!

Clearly we’ve all had different experiences. The 3-day prep was great for me. Hopefully the doc will suggest what he thinks is best after talking to him/her. It can be hard to know for sure if it’s a first colonoscopy.

A pill? Y.E.S.!!!

maire_cate -- Thanks for supplying the name of the anesthetic: Propofol. For years they gave this to the MDs, but we patients got Versed, which is known to provoke brain fog. Propofol has a short duration; got a bad name when Michael Jackson misused it as a sleep aid. I have Versed on my list of 'allergies' just to be sure I don't get it.

My doctor’s nurse said it is ”routine” for them to order Cologard. My procedure is scheduled for March 7th.

Versed is a sedative (a benzodiazepine); it’s an anti anxiety medication that also blocks memory. Propofol is an anesthetic. They can both be used for the procedure, as well as pain meds. I’m a retired RN and at one time worked in an endoscopy clinic. Fun:)

My next 5 year check-up is in May and they've always used an anesthetic, with no after effects. A friend of mine had the procedure done several years ago and afterwards his wife took him to Arby's since he was very hungry. From Arby's they went home where he fell asleep in his lazy boy chair. When he woke up he had no idea how he got home nor recall eating at Arby's. Too weird.

chinacatpekin -- Thanks for explaining that!

vgkg Z -- Good illustration of why you'd hope your MD wouldn't want the anesthetic and opt for propofol. How do you *know* you've had no bad reaction to the Versed? Do you remember what the doctor told you about your procedure results while you were in recovery?

Fun2BHere -- I could probably skip the sedation too. The hospital was upset with me when I refused more than topical for a bone marrow procedure. I think they just don't want to risk wasting time if a patient gets anxious during procedures.

“When he woke up he had no idea how he got home nor recall eating at Arby's.”

Though I’ve had a clear memory after the procedure each time, that doesn’t seem uncommon. I once drove a friend home after her colonoscopy. She seemed fine, and we stopped to get her a chocolate shake. She didn’t remember any of it.

chisue , when I wake up the doctor has moved on and I'm being attended to by the nurse. As per usual she only asks me if I've farted yet? (expelling the gas pumped into the intestine). I tell her I just woke up and have no idea. The Doctor talks to my wife to fill her in on how things went and I don't see him again. Fortunately my past 3 procedures have found no problems other than a intestinal polyp or two being removed which later turn out to be non-cancerous. Personally I always recall everything other than when I'm under and out. Once I wake up all is fine

As for my friend who did not recall eating at Arby's, they don't call Propofol "Milk of Amnesia" for nothing.

“When he got home (from Arby’s) he had no idea how he got home nor recall eating at Arby’s.” Versed blocks memory. That is an intended effect. The length of time this effect lasts is variable. Part of the post-endoscopy procedure instructions we gave to patients was to go directly home; do not stop somewhere to eat on the way because of the unpredictable effects of sedation. One of the anesthesiologists I worked with told me that when he had Versed for his own colonoscopy he woke up feeling just fine, went to his office and did some paperwork, went to a meeting, got a ride home, and his actual first memory after the procedure was finding himself standing in front of his refrigerator seven hours later.

Thanks for sharing why *not* to allow Versed -- especially since there's the much better option of Propofal, or maybe *nothing*. I claim Versed as an 'allergy' to avoid it.

IDK how often colonoscopies are truly necessary for people with no alarm bells ringing, but not checking at all is certainly dumb. DH and I had regular exams , but not since aging out. I am a polyp-former -- sinuses, colon, breast, probably other territories unknown. I've had many polyps examined - all benign. I regret having a colon resection just to remove a carpet polyp. It, too, was benign, and now I'm stuck with that bowel difficulty. I think the surgery was overkill.

Well my turn is close at hand and my Rx liquid plumber solution cost $7, it's in 2 doses to mix with water. It's named as "Sodium Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate and Magnesium Sulfate Oral Solution". Sounds delicious! ....but at least it's cheap.

Good luck vgkg - hope all goes will with your procedure.

Mine is scheduled for this Thursday so I'm now on the low residue diet for today with liquids only tomorrow.

I've used Suprep for the last 3 colonoscopies but this time Medicare won't cover the $193.00 cost. My GI's office called and told me to stop by and they gave me SuTab.

Good luck to you too maire_cate. I'm back home now with a slight lightheadedness from the propanol used and all went well. 2 small polyps removed but otherwise nothing serious discovered. That liquid plumber is just plain awful, ugh. I could not get the entire 2nd dose down (just half) but that did the job. Good to go for 5 years....if then, nyuk.

Glad you had a good report vgkg. My prep was tasteless - tablets with water - lots of water. First dose 12 pills with 48 ounces, repeat for the second dose.

I keep hoping they'll create a more tolerable prep - maybe before either of us have to go back.

The revival of this thread has reminded me that I need to 1) make sure that my previous GI practice is in-network (I switched Advantage plans last fall) and 2) call to make an appointment.

I have the same prep materials on hand as last time, but even with consuming all of it and spending the entire night in the bathroom, I wasn't as cleaned out as desired. So, I will be planning to go on the low bulk and then the liquids a day earlier for each.

Smart decision Raee - I'm not sure I could handle 2 days of liquids but adding an extra day of low residue is do-able.

Many choices, please talk with your physician if cost is a barrier.

https://colorectalcancer.org/article/what-are-best-types-colonoscopy-prep

Has anyone tried the new Suflave?

^^^ My solution was also lemon-lime flavored but still too nauseating to drink without gagging. Even diluted with water as per directions it still has a syrupy texture. So gawd awful even adding gin would not have helped.