Frequently asked questions
Which foods should my patients avoid before a colonoscopy?
Drinking red- or purple-coloured fluids can reduce the accuracy of the colonoscopy. This is because they can stain the bowel or look like small amounts of blood.
Once your patient starts taking PLENVU® they should not eat until after their colonoscopy. However, the day before they take PLENVU® they should eat only light meals consisting of low-fibre foods. Low-fibre foods can include: white bread, eggs, yogurt, plain biscuits, butter/margarine/cheese, potatoes, well-cooked lean beef, lamb or pork, fish or poultry, white rice or white pasta, or clear soups. Further guidance for your patients can be found on the PLENVU® patient website.
What tips can I give my patients on how to take PLENVU®?
Chill PLENVU® first. You can make up both doses at the same time and keep them in the fridge.1
Try drinking through a straw or sports bottle.
Drink PLENVU® slowly using small sips over at least 30 minutes, followed by 500mL of clear fluids over the next 30 minutes.1
Chewing sugar-free gum between taking doses of bowel preparation may help improve symptoms of nausea. Do not swallow the chewing gum.3,4
Keep drinking clear fluids to stay hydrated.
You can drink as much as you like.1
Refrigerated wet wipes may feel more soothing than toilet paper.
Choose clear fluids with distinctive flavours such as fruit juices without pulp, soft drinks, or coffee without milk.2
A barrier cream, e.g. petroleum jelly, can help prevent a 'sore bottom'.
Alternate between sips of PLENVU® and clear fluids.
Make sure you allow enough time to travel to the hospital, and arrange for a taxi or friend to take you home.1
My patients have questions on their dosing schedule, where can I direct them?
The PLENVU® patient website has detailed guidance on each dosing schedule, and you can find downloadable dosing guidance for your patients on the HCP ‘Patient Support’ page. Your patients may also find the ‘Patient Reminder Service’ useful. If they register, they will receive helpful reminders about when to take PLENVU®, clear instructions on what food they can eat, and hints and tips on taking PLENVU®.
Can PLENVU® be used in patients with renal impairment?
PLENVU® is not contraindicated in patients with renal impairment and no special dosage adjustment of PLENVU® is deemed necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, PLENVU® should be used in caution in frail or debilitated patients and patients with severe renal impairment whose creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/minute/1.73m2.5
In debilitated fragile patients, patients with poor health, those with clinically significant renal impairment, arrhythmia and those at risk of electrolyte imbalance, the physician should consider performing a baseline and post-treatment electrolyte, renal function test and ECG as appropriate.5
No trials with PLENVU® have been specifically conducted in patients with renal insufficiency. However, some patients from these groups were included in the Phase III trials.6–8
My patient has an allergy, what are the constituents of PLENVU®?
If you have any concerns about a patient’s allergies, please contact Norgine Medical Information team where they can provide further information on the components of PLENVU®.
My patient is diabetic, how much sugar is in PLENVU®?
Maltodextrin is a component of PLENVU®, but the low dose is unlikely to cause changes in glycaemic levels. Glycerine is a component of Dose 1 of PLENVU®.5
The artificial sweeteners sucralose (E955) and aspartame (E951) are present in Dose 1 and Dose 2 of PLENVU®, respectively.5
Due to the presence of aspartame, PLENVU® is contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria.5
References
- PLENVU® Patient Information Leaflet. October 2020.
- Choi HS, et al. Dis Colon Rectum 2014; 57(10): 1220-1227.
- Hassan C, et al. Endoscopy 2019; 51(8): 775-794.
- Lee J, et al. J Clin Nurs 2016; 25(3-4): 518-525.
- PLENVU® UK Summary of Product Characteristics. October 2020.
- Bisschops R, et al. Endoscopy 2019; 51(1): 60-72.
- Schreiber S, et al. Endoscopy 2019; 51(1): 73-84.
- DeMicco MP, et al. Gastrointest Endosc 2018; 87(3): 677-687.
