Patient instructions for colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy the entire colon from the anus to the small intestine is examined with a flexible endoscope. The procedure takes about one hour, but you should reserve 1-2 hours for the examination.  

A successful examination requires emptying the entire intestinal tract. Please study these instructions carefully.

Medications 

Any essential prescription medication such as blood pressure and heart medication should be taken normally. Check with your doctor whether or not you should take your diabetes or blood thinning medication before the examination. 

You may be given a sedative and/or pain medication intravenously for the procedure. Because of these possible medications given, driving is not allowed the day of the colonoscopy. 

One week before the colonoscopy  

Do not use Iron medication (e.g. Obsidan-Fe and Retafer),  as it darkens the color of the colon wall, which impairs visibility. 

Fibre supplements that stimulate digestion (e.g. Vi-Siblin and Agiocur). 

If your digestion is slow, or you suffer from constipation, start taking Movicol 5 days before the procedure. Movicol is available at pharmacies without a prescription and you can take several bags a day if needed.

Four days before the colonoscopy 

Reduce your food intake; do not eat raw vegetables or fatty foods. 

Do not eat berries, nuts, seeds, grains, bran or fatty foods.  

You may eat pasta, potatoes, rice, fish, chicken, meat and fruit and vegetables without the seeds or peelings. Start drinking large amounts of water; that improves digestion. 

Emptying of the intestinal tract is done by taking PLENVU, which is available at pharmacies without prescription, and by drinking a large amount of other clear liquids. 

Please following these instructions carefully: 

How to take PLENVU solution when procedure is done before 3pm

The day before you can eat a small breakfast and have a vegetable creamed soup for lunch before 12 pm. Please do not eat anything after that. Drink plenty of clear liquids: water, mineral water, soft drinks, tea/coffee without milk, beef- fish- and vegetable broth with salt, clear fruit juice without pulp. 

Drinking plenty of liquids makes you feel better and it helps to improve the effect of the PLENVU. 

Nutritional supplements such as Nutridrink are considered clear liquids. These supplements are available at pharmacies and they help you to replace the calorie intake of your normal meals. 

Drink the first 500ml dose of PLENVU The night before the procedure at 6 pm. You should consume all the PLENVU solution within 30 minutes. In addition you should drink at least 1-2 liters of other clear liquids. 

Drink the second 500ml dose of PLENVU 4 hours before the procedure. 

You should consume all PLENVU solution within 30 minutes. In addition, drink at least 1-2 liters of other clear liquids. 

How to take PLENVU solution when procedure is done after 3pm 

The day before you can eat a small breakfast and have a vegetable creamed soup with white bread for lunch before 2pm. Please do not eat anything after that time. Drink plenty of clear liquids: water, mineral water, soft drinks, tea/coffee without milk, beef- fish- and vegetable broth with salt or clear fruit juice without pulp.Drinking plenty of liquids makes you feel better and it helps to improve the effect of the PLENVU. 

Nutritional supplements such as Nutridrink are considered clear liquids. These supplements are available at pharmacies and they help you to replace the normal meals. 

Drink the first 500ml dose of the PLENVU solution at 7am.You must consume all the PLENVU solution within 30 minutes. In addition, drink at least 1-2 liters of other clear liquids. 

Drink the second 500ml dose of PLENVU at 11am.You must consume all the PLENVU solution within 30 minutes. In addition drink at least 1-2 liters of other clear liquids.