Plenvu User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Plenvu has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 434 reviews on Drugs.com. 37% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 46% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Plenvu
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 19, 2024
For Bowel Preparation "So many negative reviews here! I remember reading this before my procedure and feeling horribly apprehensive about the whole business. Of course, nobody really wants to spend an evening drinking laxatives and sitting on the toilet! But we know that colonoscopy and gastroscopy are there to save lives, and you can't have it done without a clean bowel! Plenvu tastes fairly horrible, but really it's nowhere near as bad as most of these reviews make out. Yes, it's salty, fruit-flavoured, and over-sweetened - but is it really that bad? Just a couple of glasses to get through in an hour, and you can wash each mouthful down with something you do like. For me, the trick was to make sure that it's very cold and add a lot of ice. Use a straw and sip from the very top of the glass through the ice. Don't try to do it all too quickly - the best way to avoid nausea is to use the whole hour - mentally divide it into six, then drink one every 10 minutes using a watch! It's very effective!"
- Che...
- May 25, 2023
For Bowel Preparation "This is the most disgusting tasting thing I've have ever had. It tastes like its been made with sea water. Drinking 2 pints of the stuff in 2 sessions is torture. The only good thing is it works quickly and i had no side effects. Surely someone can come up with a better tasting one"
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Plenvu and MoviPrep?
- How do you take Plenvu for colonoscopy preparation?
- Pan...
- October 18, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "After reading all of these reviews, I was terrified. I have emetophobia and have an irrational fear of vomiting. I was worked up about taking this for weeks. I had my doctor call in a prescription for anti-nausea medication that I started 30 minutes prior to starting. The first dose wasn't bad, but I kinda wish they just let it be salty instead of giving it a 'fruity' flavor. I sipped it over an hour. I made sure it was cold, added ice, and drank through a straw. Made it through dose 1, no problems. Started working within 30 minutes. No cramping. Just explosive. I was unable to get any sleep between the doses. Dose 2 tasted a little better but was harder to sip down. After an hour, I ended up chugging the last bit as it was already starting to work. The next hour was the worst. The nausea faded after an hour. I hope I don't need to do this for another 10 years, but I would try this prep again. Just wouldn't chug the 2nd dose."
- Ale...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 17, 2023
For Bowel Preparation "I was so scared after all the horror stories here... and in the end, it's just some mango-tasting liquid, with some salt added to protect your heart from electrolyte imbalance that can happen after cleansing. Honestly, people saying it's the worst day of their life are out of touch with reality. In the 90s, we had to drink 4 liters of salty water. We have come a long way. Do NOT trust the bad reviews. This product is safe (PEG-based). Also, remember that people having a bad experience are the most vocal. This product is easy to drink."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- KBa...
- November 6, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I read the previous reviews to help know what to expect. The first dose was unpleasant, I did manage to drink it. Within minutes of drinking half, I was in the bathroom. I was so cold and shivering, but this is normal. To get the first dose down, I used a straw and a lemon slice on my tongue, followed by brushing my teeth and mouthwash. Time for the second half of the first dose, still freezing in the bathroom most of the time. Second half down. The suggestion is, don't use toilet paper to wipe, use wipes, it is soothing and there is no irritation. Four hours on the toilet constantly. Another hour and time for the second round. While my first dose was not great, the second was horrible. Barely got it down. Used previous methods started my many trips to the bathroom. It is now 11 PM, no sleep is what I'm looking at. I drank most of the mixture but couldn't finish the last quarter. For me, I knew if I tried, it would not stay down. The end result was a clean colon and a good colonoscopy. While this was an unpleasant task, I am still glad I persevered. You can do it."
- CRa...
- November 9, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I survived colorectal cancer in 2007 and have a shortened colon as a result of the surgeries. I have had a number of colonoscopies since then, the preps have been uncomfortable but tolerable. Plenvu was the most horrible bowel preparation experience and most painful ever! I had shooting diarrhea all night long. My poor sister, my caregiver, spent from midnight until 5 a.m. changing my bed, cleaning me, and cleaning the bathroom, over and over again. Then the vomiting started! I was SOOO dehydrated, I was weak and could hardly walk. I never even took the second dose, and we almost called for an ambulance to get to the ER. We had to cancel the colonoscopy. When my sister explained what had happened, they said they would give her something else for prep, something 'not as harsh.' Harsh was a huge understatement!!!! NEVER again!!!"
- Jta...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 25, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "My 6th colonoscopy and first time using Plenvu. Tasted OK, and the quantity required was low compared to the several liters required for CleanPrep... But unfortunately, Plenvu caused severe abdominal cramps and poor clearance of bowels. My colonoscopy was cut short due to 'poor preparation,' and the doctor told me not to accept Plenvu again if prescribed. I guess it's different for different people, but I was very disappointed that all the pain and time I took to prepare for the procedure was wasted because of Plenvu."
- sti...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 25, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "I had my second colonoscopy today at 1:30 p.m. I did my first round of the Plenvu prep at 5 p.m. yesterday and the second round at 7 a.m. today. It tastes disgusting, and I wish I had listened to everyone’s advice about using a straw, sipping something other than water in between gulps, etc. The prep worked, and I had my procedure. But it’s 10:30 p.m....9 hours after my procedure...and the prep is STILL WORKING!!! I’m still stuck on the toilet."
- Ann...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 27, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I too had a negative experience with Plenvu. The taste was horrendous. It started working within 15 minutes of finishing dose 1. I was so nauseous and clammy I thought for sure I was going to pass out. I couldn’t finish the second dose as the same thing happened. My blood pressure was also very high for me after the second dose. I was crampy and bloated for weeks after and still don’t feel as good as I had before this prep 6 months ago. I wouldn’t recommend this prep to my worst enemy."
- Lab...
- September 19, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "Two days before my procedure, I only ate rice, fish, and chicken. No beef, vegetables, or milk. I ate a light breakfast (white bread, tea) and a light lunch (Ramen noodles) the day before my procedure. I started the first dose of PLENVU at 5:45 PM and it took me 55 minutes to finish. The taste and the thick consistency made it very hard to finish in 30 minutes. It made me nauseated when I tried to push myself to finish on time, so I had to slow down. I had multiple loose stools followed by several light yellow watery stools after the first dose. I slept at around 11:30 PM and woke up at 5:30 AM to take the second dose. I took only half of the second dose as I felt nauseous. I again had multiple light yellow watery stools until I left my house at 9:30 AM for my 11:30 AM procedure. My prep was labeled excellent by the doctor afterwards. Overall, PLENVU did its job. The taste is something they need to work on. I assume it will be difficult for many sensitive people to drink it."
- Rab...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 4, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I followed the directions and had no problems. The taste wasn’t bad (I chilled it prior to use, used a straw, and took sips of water between swigs). I’ve certainly tasted worse things in my life. Doctor said excellent prep. First-time colonoscopy for me, so I don’t have a basis for comparison for other prep products. While not enjoyable, I didn’t find the prep process that unpleasant. I look at it as a necessary 2-day inconvenience to help me stay healthy. Three sessile polyps (flat polyps) were found and removed; well worth it! I didn’t eat anything solid for 24 hours prior to starting the prep and think that helped."
- Dum...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 22, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "First bowel prep for colonoscopy. Dr. recommended a two-day approach. The first dose taken the day prior to the procedure is pretty bad. Envision a child making you a mango drink only to realize they just put a cup of salt followed by a cup of sugar. Had a glass of ice water as a chaser. Tried gulping down as much as I could. I do not suggest this method as I came close to vomiting! Had to use some serious mental fortitude to finish. Finished in 20 minutes. Took about an hour to start working. Ten total visits to the toilet by 5 a.m. the next day. Started dose 2 at 7:30 a.m. Dose 2 was better tasting if we are allowing for degrees of hell. Worked in 30 minutes. Visited the restroom at least 7 times but seemed milder than dose 1. All in all, it worked as expected, but the delivery method could be improved. I would swallow 30 fast-dissolving pills if it meant I didn't have to drink that mango drink."
- Awf...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 13, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "Plenvu is the worst taking substance I have ever tasted. No matter what you do, you taste the thick, salty, mango, and tropical flavors. I managed to get the first dose down at 6 PM by the hardest and keep it down. It cleared me without being too violent. However, the second dose at 2 AM was horrible. I fought keeping it down, but at 2:45, I vomited severely! It was awful!! I was still going until the time I left for the procedure. Please do something to improve the taste and consistency of the product. I will never allow a doctor to prescribe this prep to me again."
- Tex...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 7, 2024
For Bowel Preparation "This is my first colonoscopy prep at 52 years old. Felt it was time with a few people around me with cancer. I better get in and get checked. After reading all the reviews, I wanted to add mine to the list for people like me who are anxious and scared. My heart rate was 130 when I started drinking the stuff. Listen, I have had a good experience thus far. Your diet and fluid intake make a HUGE difference. I made homemade soup: chicken bone broth, roast chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and squash. I ate that 3 days before my procedure. The day before, I ate NOTHING. Just had water. I drank 6 bottles of water, 16.9 oz. I fixed the drink 4 hours ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator. I used a straw and drank the liquid over 45 mins. I did not refill the same container. I drank another 16 oz of water in between sips. Started at 4:30 pm. By 5:15 pm, I had my first movement. No cramping. No nausea, no vomiting. You can do it! It’s not as bad as most make it out! Prep well."
- Pic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 15, 2022
For Bowel Preparation "I don’t suggest chugging it, but it helped get it down. Do not breathe thru your nose or you taste it more. (This especially helped with dose 2!) When they say shake until dissolve, DO IT! (Don’t skimp on the shaking because you’re half awake the next morning.) Dose 1, chugged it & chased it with the required 16 ounces of water but I also swished with a little kool-aid. (Don’t use red, I am told it will freak the doctors out later!) Mine didn’t start working until about an hour & 45 minutes in. That might be because I had a large dinner the night before. (Poor ideas & regret abound at my house.) Dude. This works. (I found my car keys from 1987, jk, but trust me it gets things moving.) slept off & on between trips to poo-town. Up at 630 for more of this stuff. Chugged it to but through my groggy stupor I didn’t realize it didn’t quite dissolve. Insert regret. Gagged but got through. Now I’m writing this from the potty. You can do this!!"
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 16, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "My experience with Plenvu was entirely positive. It did a great job cleaning out my bowel, the nurse commented so. I found it was best to drink it down quickly. The taste is better than I expected, but the less time it spends on your tongue, the better. What is important is to drink much more water than suggested to stay hydrated. When it came to the colonoscopy, I chose to be unsedated, and it was fascinating to watch. No pain at all, no gas really. Just a bit of cramping. Overall, a much better experience than I expected."
- Woo...
- March 18, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "This was my 3rd colonoscopy, so I knew what to expect up until I started the Plenvu bowel cleanse regimen. In simplest terms, “This stuff is poison.” I can’t believe the Food and Drug Administration approved this. The taste was absolutely horrible, and it made my stomach upset and burn a bit. I followed the directions and had a bowel movement within the hour, which turned into urinating out of my butt. Having stomach cramps, butt leakage, and extreme thirst hampered my night's sleep. The next morning, I took the second dose, which was just as bad as the first. I could feel my body starving for water, as this stuff sucked all my body fluids into my colon. I didn’t stop urinating out of my butt until 10 minutes before my procedure. It did clean me out, but with a huge price to pay. Five days later, I’m still feeling the effects of dehydration, loss of electrolytes, along with a dull headache and fatigue. Never will I use this med again."
- Msp...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 21, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "Never again! This was noxious. It took all my effort to not vomit up the first dose. Sadly, after needing to take even more care with the second dose, I was not successful in keeping it down. I wish I’d read the helpful hints others have posted on how to manage this prep. I will never use this again. Colonoscopy prep is never fun, but this pushed things to a new level of horror."
- Sti...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 23, 2022
For Bowel Preparation "My first colonoscopy I'm 52 so it was time. Took the Plenvu with 16 oz of water at 2pm day before my procedure. The taste was horrible -- like someone mixed melted gummi bears with ocean water and some pepper too boot. I could barely get it down. 30 minutes later a fire hose of hot liquid lava flushed out of my ass. Every time I thought I was done and could finally flush and attempt to stand up, another round of open faucet drainage came from my butthole. I was not aware the anus could flush like that, but it can. I was dreading the 2nd dose which was 10pm (night before procedure). I was right to have dread. 2nd dosage evoked an immediate gag reflex -- as if my body yelled, "I've seen this horror flick before and I'm not going to watch it again!" How I didn't throw up I don't know -- perhaps it's because all my bodily fluids left 10 hours earlier. With second dosage, I was on toilet well past midnight, fearing I would permanently ruin my mattress if I laid down."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 14, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I will not use this product again. First dose of Plenvu was unbearable, took me an hour to finish and thought I would vomit afterwards. Second dose just as bad, but so much nausea I’m unable to finish the entire jar. I get the reason we all elect to have the colonoscopy, but there had to be a better way! They can send a man to the moon, can’t they make this process better? Just hope I get through the night without throwing up."
- kda...
- May 20, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "3rd time colonoscopy for me, and I can't understand 'why' this awful new product is being used! I'm lying in bed now after literally lying in the bathtub after all-day diarrhea with a raw rectal area, pouring water to rinse the area versus wiping! Plus an ongoing and still unsettled stomach. Bowel prep does not need to be this horrific. I will never use this product again! It's 1 am, and I should be sleeping, but any moment I feel I must get up and squirt some more out, and at this point, it is clear! Uhh this is terrible!!"
- WmL...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 7, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I've had several colonoscopies over the past several years. Plenvu for me was probably the easiest to drink. Not great tasting, but just 16 ounces taken twice - followed by Gatorade. I started at about 5 PM with the first dose and the second around 8 PM. It was supposed to be at 7, but I couldn't get off the toilet. It's currently almost 12:30 AM, and I'm finally getting a break, but I wonder how much longer it will last. Judging by what I see in the toilet when I flush, it seems very effective. Pretty much just slightly yellow-tinted water. Hopefully, I'm done and can get some sleep now."
- Scr...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 20, 2020
For Bowel Preparation "I found this the best bowel prep I have tried before a colonoscopy. With bowel cancer in the family, I have to have regular checkups. Did not mind the taste, best also that it has less volume to drink than others. Effective within the hour. Second prep says start at 4:30 AM, I started at 5 AM. Has to be drank within the half hour and nothing to drink after 6 AM. Cleared me out completely. Plus, was for me no stomach cramps, unlike the Picoprep."
- Nur...
- August 17, 2019
For Bowel Preparation "I used Plenvu yesterday evening to prep for a colonoscopy this a.m. The Plenvu prep was simple, and I was cleaned out for my colonoscopy, which was the objective. The first stage at 6 PM was 16 oz of powder mixed with water to be completed in 30 min., followed by 16 oz of water in 30 minutes. I recommend cold water and a straw. I started passing liquid stool upon finishing the plain water and was to the bathroom 4-5 times. At midnight, I began the 2nd half of the prep, which was 2 packets mixed with 16 oz of water in 30 minutes, followed by 16 oz of water in 30 minutes. I had a need to get to the bathroom before finishing the plain water. I had liquid stools for 2 hours and was clear when my stools stopped. I describe the prep as “harsh” and effective, as a successful prep typically is. I was nauseated at times and took a Zofran to ease the nausea. I had an insatiable thirst before going to sleep at 2 AM and drank ice water. No prep is pleasant, but this prep worked."
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For Bowel Preparation "Did the two-day dose for a colonoscopy prep. This is my first one, so no basis of comparison (except my wife used something else and gave me a heads-up about the process). Dose one is done the day before the procedure. After looking online, I made sure that the water used was as cold as possible, and I had some plain water to wash down the taste. I also drank it through a straw, which helped. The taste was like concentrated Gatorade. Not something I would drink normally, but not bad. I drank another 16 oz of water to wash it down. After 1 hour, the 'waterworks' began. The second dose was about 4 hours before the procedure, so I had to wake up early in the morning. Similar process, similar taste. After another 30 minutes, more waterworks. No pain, no gassiness. The doctor was happy with the cleanliness of my bowels, so I guess it did what it was supposed to do. Not sure about all the bad reviews, since I had heard horror stories about other treatments which required much more effort."