Plenvu

Plenvu is a laxative solution that helps to stimulate bowel movements. It also contains minerals to replace electrolytes lost from the body in stool.

Plenvu is used to prepare the bowel for a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

Plenvu may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder must be mixed with water to make a solution before using it. Do not add any flavorings like sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.

Shake the mixture well just before you measure a dose. Drink Plenvu in the exact portions at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.

This medicine comes with instructions about when and what to eat or drink on your first day of treatment. Each brand may have different instructions.

Do not drink Plenvu if it has been less than 1 hour since you last ate solid food. For best results, take the medicine 2 to 4 hours after you last ate.

The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking Plenvu. Keep taking the medicine until you have completed all doses prescribed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of clear liquids (water, broth, black coffee, tea, clear soda) before, during, and after you take this medicine. Avoid foods and beverages that contain pulp or are red or purple in color. You may also eat popsicles (not fruit bars or fudge bars) or gelatin without fruit pieces or toppings.

Do not eat or drink anything within 2 hours before your colonoscopy or other medical test.

Store the unmixed powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the mixed solution in a refrigerator upright.

Throw away any Plenvu you have not used within 24 to 48 hours after it was mixed (follow directions for your specific brand of this medicine).

Do not use Plenvu if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon. Plenvu can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:

• a perforated bowel;
• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation; or
• colitis or toxic megacolon.

Plenvu can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

People with eating disorders (like anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medicine without a doctor's advice.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems or a heart attack;
• an electrolyte imbalance (like low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• kidney disease;
• a seizure;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcerative colitis, or another stomach or bowel disorder;
• trouble swallowing, aspiration (accidentally inhaling food or drink);
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• a drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Plenvu may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• no bowel movement within 2 hours after use;
• vomiting;
• dizziness or feeling faint;
• little or no urination;
• a seizure; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance such as increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, or a tingling sensation.

You may need to drink the liquid more slowly or stop using it for a short time if you have certain side effects. Call your doctor for instructions if you experience:

• gagging, choking, severe stomach pain or bloating;
• nausea, vomiting, headache, trouble drinking liquids, or little or no urination; or
• fever, sudden or severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or bright red bowel movements.

Common side effects of Plenvu may include:

• vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, or bloating;
• rectal pain or irritation;
• hunger, thirst, or mild nausea;
• trouble sleeping; or
• dizziness or chills.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Talk to your doctor if you are unable to drink all of the solution that was prescribed for you. Your test or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not fully cleansed.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before drinking Plenvu. A bowel cleansing can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

Do not use other laxatives while using Plenvu unless your doctor has told you to.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or mental illness;
• medications to treat kidney problems or low sodium levels (hyponatremia);
• seizure medication; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Plenvu, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

• What is the difference between Plenvu and MoviPrep?
• How do you take Plenvu for colonoscopy preparation?