Frequently asked questions

What is Plenvu?

Plenvu is a treatment designed to cleanse your bowel prior to your planned procedure.

What will happen when I take this product?

It will cause you to have diarrhoea, which is meant to cleanse your bowel before you have your procedure. A clean bowel will allow a clear view of the inner lining, which is important for diagnosis and treatment.

Can I take other medications while I am taking this product?

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

What can I drink while I am taking this product?

Once you start taking the product 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.

You can drink clear fluids until 2 hours before a procedure, UNLESS you have been advised otherwise by your healthcare professional.

It is important to drink clear fluids as directed and stay hydrated throughout the preparation.

Can I eat anything while I am taking this product?

No. After you start taking the product you should not eat any solid food until after your procedure. 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 this product?

Yes, you should eat light meals before taking the product. Please see the Taking the product 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.

Can I mix the product with any clear liquid?

The product should only be mixed with still water. 

How will I know which dosing schedule to follow?

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist should tell you this when they schedule your procedure and prescribe the bowel preparation. If they have not told you, please contact them to confirm this before taking the product.

Do I have to drink the full dose?

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

It 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 up to 8 minutes.

I feel sick (nausea/vomiting) after taking the product. What should I do?

Each dose should be sipped slowly over 60 minutes. You can also take a short break from drinking it if needed. Continue to drink once nausea and/or vomiting has subsided.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet.  You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard (United Kingdom) or www.hpra.ie (Ireland). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 

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 procedure and after it.

Why can't I drink or consume anything red or purple while taking this product?

Drinking red or purple-coloured fluids can reduce the accuracy of the procedure. 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?

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

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

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

Can I use a cream to prevent a sore bottom?

Yes, you may find it helpful to use a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly.

I have started taking the product but I haven't had a bowel movement yet. What should I do?

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

Can I have sugar in my tea/coffee or other clear fluids?

Yes, you can use sugar or sugar substitutes in any clear fluids.

Can I have milk in my tea/coffee?

No, do not consume any milk, cream or non-dairy substitutes.

Can I drink alcohol while taking the product?

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. However, do not consume any soups that contain noodles, or pieces of meat or vegetables. 

When can I eat after my procedure?

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

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 this product. Please refer to the UK Patient Information Leaflet or Ireland 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.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard (United Kingdom) or www.hpra.ie (Ireland). 

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

What can I eat before taking this product?

Once you start taking the product you should not eat any solid food until after your procedure. However, the day before you take the product your healthcare professional will ask you to eat only light meals consisting of low-fibre foods. Low-fibre foods can include: white bread, eggs, yoghurt, 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?

You need to avoid high-fibre foods and eat low-fibre foods such as: white bread, eggs, yoghurt, 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?

It 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 should not take Plenvu if you:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances or any of the other ingredients, as listed in the patient information leaflet
• 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
• 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)
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding