Bowel Prep: How to take Plenvu

Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.

Why do I need to take PLENVU?

You have been prescribed Plenvu as a laxative to empty your bowel in preparation for your colonoscopy.

It does this by causing you to have diarrhoea, or frequent bowel movements. A clean bowel will allow the endoscopist to have a clear view of the inner lining of your bowel, which is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Please ensure that you follow the instructions carefully as your procedure may have to be cancelled and/or repeated at another time if your bowel is not clean enough.

These instructions may differ slightly from the manufacturer’s information leaflet, however, please follow this schedule.

Do not take if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Expected side effects?

You will experience diarrhoea as the purpose of Plenvu is to clear and cleanse the bowel.
You are also likely to experience some abdominal cramping.
Some patients may experience nausea and/or vomiting – if this is a problem, wait for ½ hour and then recommence taking Plenvu. Chilled Plenvu, drinking it through a straw and/or sucking a sweet may help resolve some side effects.
It is important that you continue to drink adequate amounts of fluid to avoid dehydration.

Very Common

Abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness in your stomach, bloating, tiredness, soreness/ pain of the anus (bottom), thirst and nausea.

Common

Hunger, headache, problems sleeping, dizziness, vomiting, indigestion, and chills.

Adverse reactions

Rarely, people can be allergic to Plenvu and may get an itchy rash (nettle rash or hives).

If any of the side effects become serious, or do not ease, or if you at all worried, or you notice any side- effects not listed above, you must seek advice from:

Endoscopy Department Tel: 01908 996460 (Monday-Friday;8am- 6pm)
Your GP
NHS 111
Tel: 111

What is Plenvu and how to take it?

Plenvu is a laxative designed to cleanse your bowel.

PLENVU® comes in a two-dose preparation:

Dose 1 is a single mango-flavoured sachet.
Dose 2 is two sachets (A and B) and fruit punch flavour.

All sachets must be taken with the right amount of water according to the timing of your appointment.

How to prepare for your procedure

7 days before your appointment

Stop taking any iron tablets as this can affect the quality of your test.

5 days before your appointment

Stop eating any food containing nuts/seeds/salads.

If you take any opioids painkillers (such as morphine/codeine/codydramol) on daily basis, consider the possibility to stop them or reduce the usual amount to increase the effectiveness of the laxatives.

2 days before your appointment

Start with your low fibre diet (Please see the list of foods and drinks allowed on page 6) and stay on this diet until the procedure is done.

A low fibre diet before taking your laxative plays a key-role in making sure that your colonoscopy is effective.

How to prepare PLENVU

Please make sure that you read the full instruction before you start preparing the laxative.

Dose 1 1. Fill a jug or bowl with ½ litre (500ml) of water. 2. Empty the contents of the dose 1 sachet into the water. 3. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
Dose 2 4. Fill a jug or bowl with ½ litre (500ml) of water. 5. Empty the contents of sachet A and B into the water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
You may add a cordial flavour such as lime but not blackcurrant, as this darkens the colon.
Before taking the laxative, check the time of your appointment and select the appropriate page of instruction listed below.
Morning Appointment	Afternoon Appointment
Follow instruction at page 4	Follow instruction at page 5

It is important that you take both doses of the medication, the first dose is designed to soften the stools and therefore you may not go to the toilet as much as expected but the 2nd dose is designed to cause you to frequently open your bowel. You may want to ensure you have some soft toilet paper or wet wipes and you are allowed to apply a cream to the area if necessary.

Instructions for MORNING APPOINTMENT

If you have been given a morning appointment, follow these instructions:

1 day before your appointment

7-8 am Breakfast – See allowed food list (page 6).

No further solid foods until after the procedure – clear fluids only

You can make up the Plenvu solution (see page 3) now and refrigerate to make it easier to drink.

1 pm – Start drinking Dose 1 of the Plenvu preparation.

One glassful (250mls/ ½ pint) of about every 15-30 minutes until you have drunk it all. You may use a straw to help with the taste.

It is important to drink at least an additional 500ml of water (2 glasses) or clear fluids.

6 pm – Start drinking Dose 2 of the Plenvu preparation.

It is important to drink at least an additional 500ml of water (2 glasses) or clear fluids.

The day of your appointment

No solid food.

If you take blood pressure tablets, please take these with a small amount of water on the morning of your procedure.

Stop drinking 2 hours before your appointment time or 4 hours if you are having a Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy.

Instructions for AFTERNOON APPOINTMENT

If you have been given an afternoon appointment, follow these instructions:

1 day before your appointment

7-8 am Breakfast – See allowed food list (page 6).

1pm Lunch – Have a light meal from the allowed foods list (page 6).

No more solid food after lunch until after your procedure

You can make up the Plenvu solution (see page 3) now and refrigerate to make it easier to drink.

6 pm – Start drinking Dose 1 of the Plenvu preparation.

One glassful (250mls/ ½ pint) of about every 15-30 minutes until you have drunk it all. You may use a straw to help with the taste.

It is important to drink at least an additional 500ml of water (2 glasses) or clear fluids.

The day of your appointment

No solid food.

If you take blood pressure tablets, please take these with water on the morning of your procedure at least 1 hour before taking the bowel preparation.

7 am – Start drinking the second dose of the Plenvu preparation.

It is important to drink at least an additional 500ml of water (2 glasses) or clear fluids.

You should finish your Plenvu and additional water at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.

Stop drinking 2 hours before your appointment time or 4 hours if you are having a Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy.

Information for patients with diabetes

Here is a summary of the main food and drink allowed, you may want to cut it to put it on your fridge or take a photo on your phone to help with your food shopping before your procedure.

Low residue foods you can eat	High Fibre foods to avoid
ü White cereals such as cornflakes or rice-based cereals. ü White rice and pasta. ü Plain white biscuits such as rich tea, custard creams, nice or malted milk. ü White bread, crumpets, and scones (without dried fruit). ü Well cooked meat, fish, cheese, or egg ü Potatoes without the skin. ü Jelly (NOT red ones)	× Bread – wholemeal, high bran, granary, high fibre or half wholegrain. × Wholemeal pittas, chapattis and muffins. × Cereal bars, digestive biscuits, fruit cake, fig rolls. × Wholemeal lasagne/pasta. × Brown rice. × High fibre or bran crisp breads and crackers. × Wholemeal, wholegrain bran or high fibre cereals, porridge, and muesli. × Nuts and seeds. × Fruit – fresh, frozen, cooked and dried. × Beans, lentils, and chickpeas. × Potatoes with skin on.
Drinks allowed	Drinks to avoid
ü Water ü Tea and/or coffee without milk ü Soft drinks ü Fruit juices without pulp ü Clear soup	× Alcohol × Milk × Any red or purple drink × Drinks containing pulp