MoviPrep and Bloating: What Users Say

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Literally makes me shake with fear drinking this. You think you can just down it in the style of 'I'm a celebrity' and hold your nose. For some reason you can't. The taste means after a couple of swallows you are gagging and have to stop. It's 2019 and how come there is not an alternative to this is literally mind-boggling. Does what it's supposed to, but bloats you up terribly and makes me cry."

• Tiz...
• June 19, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "No one reading this review will be more frightened than I was at having to take MoviPrep - I had to take it yesterday in a state of blind panic, but I survived. I kept to a virtual liquid diet for 36 hours before prep. Poured the prep into 250 ml bottles and chilled. Used a metal straw, alternating 3 gulps of prep and gulps of ginger ale, cutting through the cloying sweetness of the prep, which was like seltzer with a heavy lemon taste. Not nice, but can be swallowed easily if you distract yourself like I did watching TV. It really was drinkable. Only a little bloating, no cramps, a little nausea maybe gulping too quickly. Just felt very cold after sitting on the loo for hours. When the prep started to work, it was gentle, no 'power wash,' just a trickle and the odd whoosh. Managed to get to bed, got up a few times through the night. Morning doses dreaded, but had very little problem. Crucially, it did the job. The worst part, without a doubt, was the worry and fear before the prep."

• Rib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "I was very skeptical of taking MoviPrep after reading the online reviews, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I did take an anti-emetic beforehand, as prescribed by my doctor, and I had no nausea at all. Yes, the prep does taste awful, and whatever you use to help flavor it, you will never want to drink again. But I had no side effects: no cramping, bloating, or nausea. The motions I was able to easily get to the toilet and didn't need to get up in the night. The only side effect I did get was burning towards the end, but I did use lots of Sudocrem. My advice would be to start early and take your time. I started at 2 pm and finished at 8 pm for the two doses."

• Joo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I've suffered with stomach problems for years. Colonoscopy booked, I started MoviPrep and finished the first liter. I waited...and waited...nothing happened except terrible bloating and stomach pain. This was Monday evening...by Friday still nothing but a very sore stomach, lots of painful wind...and I went to my GP. Never will I take this preparation again, it's now Saturday evening and my stomach still feels very sore and bloated. I must be in a tiny minority that it didn't work and has obviously severely irritated my stomach and bowel."

• Gio...
• March 19, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Just wanted to let everyone know this stuff wasn't bad at all... it didn't even taste horrible. Just had a really strong lemonade taste. No aftertaste. Just make sure to add lemonade Crystal Light and chill before taking. Took first dose of 32 oz at 1 pm... downed it in 10 mins. After, started having bowel movements throughout the day. No pain or bloating, just lots of intestinal rumbling. My second dose, took at 5 am... this one took a little bit longer to drink, maybe about 40 mins since it was so early... taking the 16 oz of water was much harder. But did it! Had a few more movements for about 4 hrs, and was ready! I was so terrified the day I picked up the mix, literally cried thinking it was going to be bad. But it wasn't. Best prep."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "It doesn’t have a nice taste - the first couple of glasses, it’s okay, then it becomes disgusting. I’m not sure exactly what it is that makes it so, but I found it tolerable if I quickly sipped some Lucozade after chugging a couple of mouthfuls. After the first dose, I felt bloated with water, some mild cramping, and a tummy ache. Started the first dose at 5 pm and finished by 7 pm. So I had an hour's rest in between and drank some apple juice. Lots of bubbles in my tummy. Started the second dose at 8 pm, started pooping at 08:41 pm. It’s so gross, water coming out your butthole is just not right, but needs must. It’s now 23:35, and a bowel movement still occurs now and then. I was really worried about this prep, but all in all, it’s not too bad at all. Is it pleasant? No. But I don’t feel sick, cramps were mild and short, and the bowel movements are not explosive. It’s been gentle on my system. I put Vaseline outside and inside my posterior, and I’m not sore. Good luck!"

• epi...
• February 28, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "I took this medication, MoviPrep, the day before my colonoscopy. I dreaded taking the solution, but it is really not that bad, or it was not for me. The prepared liquid tasted a lot like Alka-Seltzer Cold Plus lemon to me. I did not have a hard time with the taste of MoviPrep at all. I felt really bloated after that first bottle, but that subsided quick. I went to the bathroom fast, and I went a lot. In fact, I am still going, but the bloat seems to have gone away. This is my first colonoscopy, and of course I am nervous about it. I think it is good I am going, 'cause it is very important to be screened."

• j v...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "I began the first prep at 6 pm. I mixed it with ice-cold water and lemon Crystal Light. Not too bad. I finished the first prep within the allotted one hour. The worst part was cramping, bloating, and chills. Everything that came out was solid waste. I began the second prep at 2 am. This one took almost three hours to finish (drained). But everything that came out was mostly water-based. Also, no cramping, bloating, or chills. The colonoscopy was a total breeze. My gastro called me a lovely patient. The key, I believe, is to have as little undigested food in your GI tract as possible prior to the prep, which is where fasting for at least one day comes into play. (Worked for me)"

• wha...
• February 7, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I downed my first liter of MoviPrep nearly two hours ago. As most folk on here say, it tastes vile and has left me feeling nauseous. Within 10 mins of finishing the first liter, I experienced explosive diarrhea, which carried on for another hour, by which time I was just pooing water. So I suppose it has worked, but I'm now dreading the next liter, as the bloating is very painful. I hope the prep works okay for my colonoscopy, which I'm having late tomorrow morning."

• Anx...
• October 5, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "Mixed it with half a packet of lemon-lime Crystal Light and refrigerated it. Didn't find the taste bad at all; consistency a bit weird (like watery maple syrup). No cramping, tiny bit of bloating until it started working. Drank a cup every 10 minutes. Started working 45 minutes after 1st dose (15 minutes after the 4th). Was able to sleep; did need to get up once. Second prep in the morning; started working pretty much with the 1st dose. Pretty much ran its course after 2 hours."

• Tex...
• March 17, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Five years behind on my first colonoscopy, followed by a positive Cologuard result, sent me straight into a panic and a gastroenterologist's office. MoviPrep was the prescription I was given. Shock of all shocks, I didn't have any trouble drinking this mixture. It wasn't a craft cocktail or anything, but in my mind, it would be the worst thing to ever pass my lips! The most challenging part was being bloated because of all the liquid, but no cramps or nausea, and by the day of the procedure, just being tired, hungry, and a nervous wreck! A tip I learned through this process is to filter comments on forums like this by the happy people first so you don't scare yourself out of your appointment! If you are like me and apprehensive about this whole process, know that you can do it. Keep a positive attitude about the prep, take a loved one to the procedure with you if you're scared, and know you conquered a giant by getting it done."

• Jel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Used this last night, first liter at 5 pm, second at 8 pm. Each liter I managed to get down in one hour, including the extra 500 ml clear liquid for each prep. Unfortunately, there were no bowel movements at all. I was jumping around trying to bring a movement on and felt very bloated and had a painful stomach. I had read that if there was no bowel movement in 6 hours to call a doctor. By 10:30 pm, I was very distressed and called 111. I had a sigmoidoscopy due at 10 am the next day. The clinician gave advice pending the doctor phoning, such as a hot bath, rubbing my stomach in a clockwise direction, and lying on the floor with my legs in the air cycling. I tried them all, and at 11:25 pm, finally I had success. The doctor called at 12:45 am, thankfully, all was well by then. The printout after my procedure said 'bowel prep fair', it was not even a clear result after all that distress. It was a very unpleasant experience, and I would wish to avoid MoviPrep in the future."

• Rot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Expected it to taste awful. Chilled it and had a straw, but honestly, I didn't mind the taste. Started working the first time within the hour. A bit crampy, bloating as expected, but nothing to worry about. Wasn't explosive, just watery, but I limited my diet for a few days before too. On the second dose now, more discomfort, but I'm empty already. Drank this one a bit faster, within the hour. Vaseline on the area from before you start and toilet wipes are key. I have a fissure, so I'm extra careful, get off the loo quickly and then just wander around with no pants on till the next time. Every few minutes for me for about 90 minutes. Having IBS, this isn't a new experience, though."

• But...
• September 24, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I have my first colonoscopy tomorrow, and I have been given MoviPrep. Couldn't eat all day, which is the worst bit! Had my first dose at 5 pm, things started moving 1 hour 30 mins after. Started the second dose at 8 pm, which I am still trying to get down now (11 pm) as it is just making me gag! However, it is doing what it is meant to do, so fingers crossed tomorrow goes well! I have just been drinking it with orange squash, which helps a little. Suffered from some bloating, tummy rumbles, and cramps, but it was nothing I hadn't dealt with before."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "After reading these reviews, I was terrified as I have severe emetophobia (fear of vomit), and if you’re in the same position, let me reassure you, it will be fine! I had to drink one liter from 5-7 pm and the second liter from 8-10 pm. Some tips: 1. Refrigerate it beforehand and drink it through 2 straws. 2. It tastes like salted water, not pleasant but completely bearable when chased by something (cordial, apple juice, lime wedge). Create a station of drinks. 3. Sip each glass in a half-hour stretch, that’ll help to not get stomach cramps/nausea, there’s no need to chug! I also paced around as I drank, which helped with bloating and distracted me from the taste. 4. Create a comfortable environment in the bathroom and distract yourself with entertainment, I had Gogglebox on my iPad loudly (helps if it is a funny show as it keeps you in a good mood). 5. Get ready for bed beforehand, in pajamas, make-up off, etc., as you’ll spend the evening on the toilet. 6. Give yourself a pep talk for the last glass!"

• Ila...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I chilled MoviPrep, took my time between 2 glasses, tried a straw, tried to mix with flavored iced tea, but still did not manage fully the first liter. The 3rd glass just came back the same way it went down straight away as the taste was overwhelmingly bad. No effect even after partially drinking, so my hubby went and got me senna, and I took 2 of them before going to bed. Now I am in the morning before my afternoon appointment, going to the toilet, but unsure it will be enough. I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy a few years back in another country, and the prep was much better, less amount to drink, don’t recall such a vile taste, and it worked beautifully. At that time I did not eat 72 hours before, so that was more the challenge. The only positive effect of MoviPrep was that after the first sip I was no longer hungry as I got nauseous, bloated, and felt sick."

• cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "I had to take this for a colonoscopy. Having not been allowed to eat all day the day before the examination, I was quite apprehensive about putting this strange-smelling, lemony stuff in my mouth. Needless to say, I found it incredibly hard to drink. It took me around 2 1/2 hours to finish the first liter, starting at 5 pm and finishing (eventually) at 7:30 pm. It took about an hour for the medicine to work properly, after I was stuck to the sofa with bad stomach cramps. The second liter didn't go down well at all. I was very bloated and felt like I was going to vomit, which I didn't want to do, as then it would have all been for nothing. It's 5 am now, and still half a liter to go. Hoping it will be okay as I'm still stuck to the toilet."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Drank the first liter of stuff, tasted like Alka-Seltzer, waited 2 hours and it started, the cleansing began. Sat on the toilet for 10 minutes for the first round, scared to rise up because I'll be coming back, going to start the second liter, tasted worse, minor bloat and cramp. Done with the second liter, slow flushing system, don't know how many more trips to the loo, hope all goes well tomorrow."

• LBa...
• June 28, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I drank my first liter of MoviPrep within an hour and a half, along with three large glasses of water. Six hours later, NOTHING!, apart from being bloated. I’m due for a colonoscopy at 1:00 tomorrow, looks like I’ll be canceling as I can’t see my morning one is going to clear me out enough."

• Emp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "This was my 2nd colonoscopy. 1st 10 yrs ago. Prep was a piece of cake back then. Used MoviPrep this time, and it was horrible. Too much liquid for a petite woman, bloated like a dead fish, and did not work that well. Horrible taste! Never using this one again. Glad it is 'behind' me now!"

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "Mine was done over two days. The first dose left me feeling bloated, cramping. The next morning, I did three quarters of it, and it was all over. I vomited so hard, along with chills, shaking, and just a phone call away from 911. Did its job though."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "Had to fast for 24 hours, which is not good news for somebody who tends to get stomach acid, so I already felt sick. It is ridiculous to take sipping it, as 1 liter is a large amount of liquid. I sucked it through a straw. Although the liquid was not nice, the worst thing was the effect it had on my tummy. It felt as if it was going to explode and was so swollen I looked pregnant. I was producing liquid through my bowel after the first dose. I propped myself up in bed and had about one hour's sleep. The next dose was just as bad. I know people's bodies are different, but could it not be foreseen that a person who gets irritable bowel would have an adverse reaction? I have to say the nurses and doctor at the examination were wonderful. Gas and air worked well with me, but I told them I would never use this prep liquid again."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2012

For Bowel Preparation "Worked fine. Mixed water with Crystal Light lemonade first, then let it get to room temp. Then mixed in MoviPrep. Tasted fine. My problem is the side effect 24 hours after the last dose. Lots of stomach discomfort and bloating, not from the procedure since it had to be canceled because the doctor was away. Yuk...have to do this again next week...he did reimburse me the 50 bucks for the script."

• wil...
• January 2, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Needed to go after 30 minutes, probably been around 10-12 times in the 2 hours. Feel a little bloated but generally clean and empty (craving food already, of course). So long as my girlfriend eats her perfect risotto in the other room, then it's okay. People complaining about the taste, it tastes completely fine. Like an old fizzy drink, slightest (teeny-tiniest) metallic taste, but apart from that, it's just very sweet and syrupy. It could have been 5000x worse, then it could be named 'disgusting.' Wish everyone a happy result and hope we all get stronger stomachs in the end!"

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "It is a bit like drinking seawater, so not great, but not awful. I had one strongish stomach cramp during the evening, and my stomach felt hard and bloated, but other than that, no real pain, just the urge to go to the toilet every 25 min or so. It was nothing like having a stomach bug. When I was taking the second lot the following morning, I had no pain, just the need for the loo regularly. I did feel a little bit dizzy at times."