Frequently asked questions

What is PLENVU^®?

PLENVU^® is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative designed to cleanse your bowel prior to your planned colonoscopy.

What will happen when I take PLENVU^®?

PLENVU^® cleanses your bowel by causing you to have watery bowel movements. It is important that your bowel is clean for this so that your doctor can see clearly during your colonoscopy.

Can I take other medications while I am taking PLENVU^®?

Any medicines taken by mouth may not be absorbed in the usual way if taken within 1 hour of taking PLENVU^®. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you usually take other medicines (e.g. oral contraceptives).

What can I drink while I am taking PLENVU^®?

Once you start taking PLENVU^® you may only drink clear fluids. Suitable clear fluids include water, clear soups, herbal tea, black tea or coffee (without milk), soft drinks/diluted cordials (NOT blackcurrant) and clear fruit juices (without pulp). Do not drink alcohol, milk, anything coloured red or purple, or any other drinks containing pulp material. It is best to choose clear fluids with a flavour that you like.

It is important to drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated. You can drink clear fluids until 2 hours before a colonoscopy under general anaesthesia, or 1 hour before a colonoscopy without general anaesthesia.

Can I eat anything while I am taking PLENVU^®?

No. After you start taking PLENVU^® you should not eat until after your colonoscopy. However, it is important to drink clear fluids as directed and stay hydrated throughout the preparation.

Do I need to follow a special diet before taking PLENVU^®?

Yes, you should eat light, low-fibre meals before taking PLENVU^®. Please see the How to take PLENVU^® page for what meals you should eat depending on your dosing schedule. Your healthcare professional can also advise you on what you can and can't eat.

I have an allergy; am I OK to take PLENVU^®?

Do not take PLENVU^® if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances or any of the other ingredients of PLENVU^®.

Can I make up both doses of PLENVU^® at the same time?

Yes, you can make up both doses at once in separate containers and store them until it’s the right time to take them. Just make sure you store them for no longer than 24 hours, and they are kept below 25°C. The solutions may be stored in a refrigerator. The solutions must be covered.

Can I mix PLENVU^® with any clear liquid?

PLENVU^® should only be mixed with water. Chilling PLENVU^® once it has been made up and drinking it through a straw may make
it easier to take.

How will I know which dosing schedule to follow?

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist should tell you this when they schedule your colonoscopy and prescribe PLENVU^®. If they have not told you, please contact them to confirm this.

Do I have to drink the full dose of PLENVU^®?

Yes, you must drink the full dose of PLENVU^®, including the additional clear fluids. If you do not drink the full dose of PLENVU^® then your bowel may not be cleaned effectively. This may lead to the colonoscopy having to be cancelled and repeated.

PLENVU^® may be easier to take if you chill it first and drink it through a straw or sports bottle. You should drink PLENVU^® slowly using small sips over at least 30 minutes, and try alternating between sips of PLENVU^® and clear fluids.

PLENVU^® is taking a long time to dissolve. Can I drink it before it has all dissolved?

No, please keep stirring or mixing until it is completely dissolved. This may take several minutes.

I feel sick. What should I do?

It is generally recommended to drink all bowel preparations slowly. Each dose of PLENVU^® should be drunk slowly using small sips over at least 30 minutes. You can also take a short break from drinking PLENVU^® if needed. Continue to drink PLENVU^® once nausea and/or vomiting has subsided. Chewing sugar-free gum between taking doses of bowel preparation may help improve symptoms of nausea. Do not swallow the chewing gum.

If you experience vomiting while taking PLENVU^® you should contact your doctor immediately as it could mean that you could lose too much body fluid (dehydration). If you get any other side effects, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Adverse events should be reported to your regulatory agency. Adverse events should also be reported directly to Norgine Ltd by emailing GPharmacoVigilance@norgine.com. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How long will the colonoscopy take?

The colonoscopy should take around 35 to 40 minutes to complete. You will then be in the recovery ward for up to approximately 2 hours afterwards.

I am diabetic. What should I do about my medication?

Talk to your doctor, and they will advise you how to manage your medication leading up to your colonoscopy and after it.

Why can't I drink or consume anything red or purple while taking PLENVU^®?

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.

I am very thin. Do I have to take the full dose of PLENVU^®?

Yes. You must follow the instructions given to you. Your bowel is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and must be completely emptied to help ensure an accurate and thorough examination.

I seem to be all cleaned out but I haven't finished the full dose of PLENVU^®. Do I have to finish it?

Yes. You must follow the instructions given to you. Your bowel is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and must be completely emptied to help ensure an accurate and thorough examination.

Can I use a cream to prevent a sore bottom?

A barrier cream such as petroleum jelly can be used. Please contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for information on how to use them.

I have started taking PLENVU^® but I haven't had a bowel movement yet. What should I do?

Some people have a bowel movement immediately after starting taking PLENVU^®and for others it may take longer. Continue taking PLENVU^® as instructed. If you do not have a bowel movement within 6 hours of taking PLENVU^® stop taking PLENVU^® and contact your doctor immediately.

Can I have milk in my tea/coffee?

No, do not consume any dairy products, including milk or cream.

Can I drink alcohol while taking PLENVU^®?

No, as alcoholic drinks can cause dehydration.

Can I brush my teeth the morning of my procedure?

Yes, but please ensure you don’t swallow any toothpaste.

Can I have soup as one of my clear fluids?

You can only have clear soup. You may not have noodles, meat or vegetables.

Can I have a colonoscopy if I am having my menstrual period?

Yes, your colonoscopy can still be carried out if you are having your menstrual period. You may wish to contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice on which sanitary products to use.

Will the colonoscopy hurt?

You should ask your doctor whether you will be given sedation during the procedure to help keep you comfortable.

When can I eat after my colonoscopy?

Your doctor or nurse will advise you when you can eat and drink normally again after your colonoscopy although it may also depend on how you feel.

After the colonoscopy, when will I have a normal bowel movement?

It may take up to a week of eating solid food before you have a normal bowel movement. If you still have concerns, please contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Will I experience any side effects?

Like all medicines, PLENVU^® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. However, it is normal to get diarrhoea when you take PLENVU^®. Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for more information.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Side effects should be reported to your national regulatory authority. Side effects should also be reported directly to Norgine Ltd. Email: globalmedinfo@norgine.com

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

What can I eat before taking PLENVU^®?

Once you start taking PLENVU^® you should not eat until after your colonoscopy. However, the day before you take PLENVU^® your healthcare professional will ask you to 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. If you are still unsure about what you can eat then please contact your healthcare professional for further information.

My Healthcare Professional has told me to eat a low-fibre diet, what am I able to eat?

From now until after your colonoscopy you need to start avoiding high-fibre foods and eat low-fibre foods such as: 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. If you are still unsure about what you can eat then please contact your healthcare professional for further information.

Can everyone take PLENVU^®?

PLENVU^® is recommended for use in adults aged 18 years and older; it is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. Furthermore, you must not take PLENVU^® if you:

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances or any of the other ingredients
• have a blockage in your bowel (bowel obstruction)
• have an opening in the wall of your stomach or bowel (bowel perforation)
• have paralysis of the gut (ileus)
• experience problems with food and fluid emptying from your stomach (e.g. gastric paresis, gastric retention)
• suffer from phenylketonuria. This is a hereditary inability of the body to use a particular amino acid. PLENVU^® contains a source of phenylalanine
• are unable to produce enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• have a very dilated bowel (toxic megacolon)

You should also talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you:

• have heart problems and/or heart rhythm problems
• have kidney problems and/or dehydration
• have stomach or bowel problems including bowel inflammation
• have swallowing problems
• have high or low blood salt level (e.g. sodium, potassium)
• have other medical conditions (e.g. seizures)