This website is intended for those patients who have been prescribed Plenvu® (Macrogol 3350, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride, and Potassium Chloride) by their healthcare professional. If you are a healthcare professional in the UK or Ireland, please visit our healthcare professional website (this website is promotional in nature).

Plenvu® is a bowel preparation that your healthcare professional has asked you to take before your procedure.

You should read the Patient Information Leaflet provided with this medicine in full before you begin treatment - UK | Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

Taking Plenvu

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?
Plenvu® is a laxative that will cause you to have diarrhoea. This 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 prepare the doses with any clear liquid?
No, the product should only be mixed with still water.
How will I know which dosing schedule to follow?
Your healthcare professional 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 and your healthcare professional may not be able to see clearly. 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.

Food and drink

Do I need to follow a special diet before taking this product?
Yes, you should only eat light meals before taking the product. Your healthcare professional can also advise you on what you can and can’t eat. For more information on dietary requirements, see our Useful information about Plenvu® page.
What can I eat while I am taking this product?

Once you start taking the product you should not eat any solid food until after your procedure. The day before you take the product your healthcare professional will ask you to only eat light meals consisting of low-fibre foods. Low-fibre foods can include white bread, eggs, yoghurt, plain biscuits, butter/cheese, potatoes, well-cooked lamb or pork, fish or poultry, white rice or white pasta, or clear soups. If you are still unsure about what you can eat, please contact your healthcare professional for further information.

For more information on dietary requirements, see our Useful information about Plenvu® page.

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 instead eat low-fibre foods such as white bread, eggs, yoghurt, plain biscuits, butter/cheese, potatoes, fish or poultry, white rice or white pasta, or clear soups. If you are still unsure about what you can eat, please contact your healthcare professional for further information.

For more information on dietary requirements, see our Useful information about Plenvu® page.

When can I eat after my procedure?
Your healthcare professional will advise you when you can eat and drink normally again, although it may also depend on how you feel.
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 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.

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.
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 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.

Plenvu® and other medical conditions

I have a medical condition which means I cannot take certain medications and want to be sure I can still take Plenvu®, is it suitable for me?

Plenvu® is appropriate for a wide range of patients. If you have any of the following conditions you can usually take Plenvu® as prescribed but if you are unsure you should discuss it with your healthcare professional:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
  • Mild to moderate renal (kidney) failure
  • Mild to moderate hepatic (liver) impairment
  • Hypertension (high-blood pressure)
  • Over or underweight
  • Experiencing constipation
I am an older patient, is Plenvu® still suitable for me?
Yes, clinical studies have been conducted in patients over 65 years old and over 80 years old that show you can still take Plenvu®.
I am diabetic. What should I do about my medication?
Speak to your healthcare professional and they will advise you how to manage your medication leading up to your procedure and after it.
My weight is low. Do I have to take the full dose?
Yes. You must follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare professional. Your bowel is approximately 1.8 metres (6 feet) long and must be completely emptied to help ensure a thorough examination.
Can everyone take Plenvu®?

Plenvu® is only for use in adults aged 18 years and older; it is not for use in children under 18 years of age. Additionally, 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 – UK | Ireland
  • 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 (PKU)
  • 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 heart failure, severe kidney problems or are taking blood pressure medicine
  • Have stomach or bowel problems, including bowel inflammation
  • Have problems with swallowing
  • Have a high or low blood salt level (e.g. sodium, potassium)
  • Have any other medical conditions (e.g. seizures)
  • Have epilepsy or a history of convulsions
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Plenvu® should not be given to patients with impaired consciousness without medical supervision.

If you are in poor health or have a serious medical condition, you should be particularly aware of possible side effects. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are concerned.

If you experience sudden abdominal pain or rectal bleeding when taking Plenvu® for bowel preparation, contact your doctor or seek medical advice immediately.

If you experience vomiting (with or without blood) in combination with sudden chest, neck or abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing when taking Plenvu®, stop taking medicine and promptly contact your healthcare professional.

For full safety information please read the Patient Information Leaflet before you begin taking the product – UK | Ireland.

General queries

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 healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicines (e.g. oral contraceptives).
I feel sick (nausea/vomiting) after taking the product. What should I do?

Nausea and/or vomiting are a common side effect of the product, however it is important you continue to drink your full dose once nausea and/or vomiting has subsided. To make taking your doses easier, you could try sipping each dose slowly over 60 minutes, drinking through a straw, chilling the drink in the fridge, or taking a short break from drinking it if needed.

If you get any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional, 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 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.

For more support on taking Plenvu®, see our Hints & Tips.

Will I be able to drive to and from the appointment for my procedure?
You will be given a sedative (a medicine to help you relax but may also make you drowsy) as part of your procedure so you will not be able to drive yourself home. You should arrange for a taxi or a friend to collect you and take you home from hospital.
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 and drink the full dose. 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, to help prevent soreness.
I have started taking the product but I haven’t had a bowel movement yet. What should I do?
It usually takes 1-2 hours to experience your first bowel movement however some people have a bowel movement immediately after starting taking the product and for others it may take longer. You should 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 healthcare professional immediately.
Can I brush my teeth the morning of my procedure?
Yes, but please ensure you don’t swallow any toothpaste.
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 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.

For more information on safety, please see our Possible side effects page.

I have allergies and want to make sure that I can still take Plenvu®. What are the ingredients?

You should not take Plenvu® if you are allergic to the active substances or any of the other ingredients as this may cause an allergic reaction. Plenvu® contains:

  • Macrogol, also known as polyethylene glycol (PEG)
  • Sodium sulfate anhydrous
  • Sodium chloride
  • Potassium chloride
  • Sodium ascorbate
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Sucralose (E955)
  • Aspartame (E951)

The other ingredients are:

  • Mango flavour containing glycerol (E422), flavouring preparations, gum acacia (E414), maltodextrin (E1400) and natural flavouring substances; and fruit punch flavour containing flavouring preparations, gum acacia (E414), maltodextrin (E1400) and flavouring substances.

For further information refer to the Patient Information Leaflet – UK | Ireland.