MoviPrep and Cramps: What Users Say

• rba...
• May 22, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Did the 2-stage MoviPrep for the first time and it was the easiest and best prep I have done, and I've done four. I have had poor preps in the past, so I decided to reduce fiber intake the week before, which also helped. I chilled the first 32 ounces and started at 1 PM, and drank 8 oz about every 20 minutes. The taste was not that bad, and I chased each dose with an ice popsicle and some water. It was not nearly as bad for me as MiraLax or GoLYTELY, which I could not tolerate. No nausea, no cramping, just some gurgling as the stuff took effect. After the first dose, I was not completely clear, but the second dose (6 PM) did the trick. Colonoscopy itself was a breeze (propofol is your friend, do not settle for IV Demerol), always enjoy the initial feeling of falling off, did not remember a thing, and woke up a little groggy but fine. The doc said the prep was excellent, and no polyps or abnormalities were found. Overall, the best experience for me in now 5 tries. Hope this reassures and helps someone else."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "This is by far the easiest prep I’ve used. Yes, it smells and tastes awful, but you can overcome that somewhat by mixing ahead and chilling the mixture, using a straw, and chasing with a sip of whatever tastes good to you. Stand and walk a bit while you drink-it helps get things moving and dispels the bloated feeling. The prep started working in 50 minutes both evening and morning, and worked thoroughly. The duration of action was 4 hours after the evening dose, 2 hours after the morning. No nausea, very little cramping, and not much soreness. I was able to have the procedure done and didn't have much trouble getting back to normal. I would use this again when necessary."

• Byr...
• February 4, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "Certainly does what it is supposed to do. I read all the previous reviews and I was terrified to take it. Finally, I gathered up the courage and did MoviPrep shooters for happy hour. No cramping. No side effects other than what it is supposed to do. Yes, it tastes a little like lemon Pledge. It isn't something I would choose to drink for fun, but it isn't as bad."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "Just finished my first 1-liter dose about 2 hours ago. The taste was not as bad as I was afraid of, honestly, the lemon/salty taste reminds me very much of a margarita! Started to work before I was finished drinking it, and already only 2 hours in, I feel pretty cleaned out and the trips to the bathroom, which were at first every five minutes, are now every 15 minutes. I don't have my next dose until 6 a.m. tomorrow, so at this rate, I am reasonably sure I will get some sleep tonight. Some mild cramps, but not bad. With Blue Cross/Blue Shield, my out of pocket was $20. The worst part so far has been the nervousness leading up to my first dose after reading the horror stories on this site. I slept through the night, up at 6 for dose 2, no problems."

• tmj...
• January 27, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Started my fast at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Took the first sachet of MoviPrep at 5 p.m. as per the instructions. Tasted like bitter lemon, to be honest, or even like a sports drink, electrolytes with salt. You can flavor MoviPrep with a cordial if you don't initially like the taste, so maybe source a cordial beforehand, but not blackcurrant flavored. First bowel movement occurred at 7:10 p.m., a gentle feeling, small movement. 7:30 p.m., a large messy movement. This is where the flushable toilet wipes help immensely. This was then followed by a number of smaller bowel movements, but mostly watery. Next MoviPrep taken at 8 p.m. as per the instructions. No more messy movements, just loads of watery ones. This went on until 11:20 p.m. Went to bed when my stomach felt calmer, just before midnight. Woke again at 2:15 a.m. from a stomach cramp feeling, toilet, small bowel movement, again just watery. Back to bed and woke after 8 a.m., and again another very small watery movement. In all, not an unpleasant experience."

• 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."

• Gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "It tastes similar to those rehydration powders, kinda salty. Not great, but added a little cordial, and it was drinkable over 45 minutes. About 75 minutes after I started drinking, it started. I can only describe it as like doing a powerful wee, but from your anus. However, no pain, and it was controllable, and over after a few hours. For context, I was still able to get on with some household chores in between loo runs. A few tips: 1) Get it down quick, you don't want to be still forcing it down once the effects are felt! 2) I applied some hemorrhoid ointment in advance, which really helped the discomfort, along with regular Vaseline application. 3) Ladies, it's basically water. Get some baby wipes and really clean up after every single time, I can imagine it'd be very easy to get BV after this. 4) Keep drinking - you will feel shaky and unwell if you dehydrate, and it'll give you cramps. Overall, not bad, and a necessary evil."

• Car...
• March 22, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "Can't believe all the negative comments. My previous colonoscopy had a vile mixture to take. MoviPrep is a breeze. Doesn't taste too bad. Very easy to get down. Started working after 1 hour. No cramps. I think if you follow the directions regarding what you eat in the days leading up to the procedure, you should not have too many problems."

• Ann...
• May 31, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Drinking my 2nd dose now of MoviPrep. First one was okay, started at 6 pm, from 7 pm - 8 pm bowel movements, mainly dirty water. At 9:30 pm again one visit in the toilet. Then I slept, with a lot of rumbling in my stomach. In the morning, one small watery-dirty movement. Now drinking it again. It's the second time I have a colonoscopy with MoviPrep. My experience says: 1) Don't drink it cold. It may taste better, but I get more cramps and pain when it's cold. I drink it lukewarm and chase every sip with lukewarm green tea. Before each sip, I put a slice of lemon on my tongue and a slice of ginger. 2) Use water to wash your butt, not toilet paper or wet wipes. Wiping makes my butt hurt very much. Wet wipes don't work for me, it still irritates, maybe even more, 'cause wipes give me an allergic reaction. So, I wash it with water each time, and when clean, I put a lot of Vaseline. My first colonoscopy went fine, I was well prepared. I hope today will be the same."

• JSB...
• October 6, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I’m a very nervous patient, and I was dreading the bowel prep after reading other reports here, but it’s been fine so far, comparatively speaking. Prescribed split dose - started at 7 pm, finished first liter at 8:30 pm and the action has just started at 8:45 pm. Chilled after mixing, then took it in four stages about 25 minutes apart. Using a straw is a good idea, as is a chaser (apple Lucozade worked pretty well) but I didn’t find the taste anything like as bad as expected - sweet and intense lemon flavor, a little salty. Slightly thicker than normal water but not disgusting. Some gurgling after an hour, and mild cramps, but no nausea or chills, and no sudden rush to the loo - I knew it was coming! No explosions either - just a steady dribble every 10 minutes or so. I stayed off solids for 36 hours before and followed dietary instructions carefully two days before that - which may have helped. Nothing to fear, I’d say. We’ll see what happens with the second liter in the morning... good luck all."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "My appointment was at 4 pm, so I started the first packet around 7 pm the day before. It was bearable but not the best taste. By the end of the first liter, I had really had enough and felt quite sick. I didn't even get through the last bit before I needed the toilet. After the first half hour of bowel movements, I had serious cramps in my stomach and doubled over in pain. This lasted for around an hour, then trips to the toilet started again, which almost instantly stopped the cramps. I was awake most of the night due to going to the toilet. I have now started the 2nd dose at 7 am. Just want this all over now. Really hope I don't get more cramps."

• 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!"

• spl...
• March 25, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "The first taste of the orange MoviPrep hit my lips at 4 pm sharp, finished the liter in approx 50 mins... 10 mins later... 'action stations'! Exactly 1 hour to start doing its thing. A few slight cramps, but all in all pretty good. Not looking forward to the next session, though... I feel empty already. Wondering if I really need the second dose. Anyhow, best to be safe, as I really don't want to do this again for another 5 years minimum! 1 liter of salty-sweet-thick-watery stuff. I can do this, especially if washing down with a nice cold beer (or 4). Got to be happy with that."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Well... I am a very anxious person who can’t deal with anything without going into panic mode, but in all honesty, apart from it being unpleasant and spending five hours on the toilet, it wasn’t that bad! I don’t think it tasted that bad either, not something I’d buy for a regular drink, ha ha, but overall, I didn’t find drinking it difficult. Bowel movements didn’t start till about 2 hours after drinking it, but when they did start, it wasn’t the explosive experience I thought it would have been. And apart from causing me to get piles, I didn’t feel unwell or get bad cramps or anything. I did a lot of worrying for nothing. Now for the colonoscopy!"

• Mov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "Pros: Cleans out colon well without pain, cramping. Cons: Cost, taste. Best colonoscopy prep I've ever taken. The taste isn't great, but then what prep is? Follow the tips others have posted, and drinking the MoviPrep will be easier. I'd use this again."

• 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)"

• gij...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I'm 19 years old, and this is my second time doing this. First time, I had the lemon, but the orange tastes a bit better. I'm now into my morning dose, but I just can't hold it in anymore. I gag after every sip, starting to feel dizzy again, my cheek is cramping up, and I can't even take the smell anymore... If they ever start producing this in pill form, I'll be the happiest man alive."

• Liq...
• September 7, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Prepping for a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. First batch down. Actually tastes like Murphy's Oil Soap. Been an hour and fifteen minutes so far... Haven't been to the loo as of yet. Okay, wait a minute... Better go now. Yeah, the river is flowing. No cramps, though. This stuff is no joke. I hope this isn't too graphic. I just hope that the colonoscopy is as easy."

• Yog...
• June 5, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I am a 50-year-old RN, took this prior to the first colonoscopy. I found this much easier than expected. It doesn't taste great, but I recommend you use a big straw to drink-so much faster to get down, and you don't really taste it. I plugged my nose, drank it, and then took a sip of Gatorade, which eliminated any taste of MoviPrep. No cramping experienced."

• Mat...
• March 7, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "I was dreading taking this medication after reading some reviews about the taste, etc. Well, I can only speak for myself, but I found it fine, like slightly salty lemonade. I made it up about 30 mins before taking and chilled it in the fridge. As for effectiveness, well, within 30 mins I was making myself comfortable on the throne and am well and truly welded to the spot. At first, the movements were preceded by a short gurgle of the bowels, then all hell broke loose, and what I can only describe as a 'gush' of fluid came out. Initially, there were some solids, however, now just fluid, currently every 10 minutes. I am due to take the 2nd liter in the morning and will report back if I have a different experience. Took the 1st dose at 6 pm - drank in 15 mins."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "This is not the nightmare many are making it out to be. No cramps or nausea. Tastes like a lime drink with a bit thicker texture. It is a bit salty, but that's to help you not get dehydrated when the show starts. Fast-acting and extremely effective. I may just make this a routine patio drink."

• wil...
• September 21, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "I was absolutely dreading taking this. I have a huge fear of having to take any pills or medicines, which is why I won't be having the sedation tomorrow for the colonoscopy - wish me luck. Anyhow, I braved it and started taking the first liter at 6:30. Nothing happened until 8, and I thought it wasn't going to work, but now it seems to have started :/ Similar experience to others, but no cramps thankfully - I'm just going to take the last half glass - it's now 8:15. It's fine. I paced it - drank a glass straight down about every 20 minutes and had a full glass of water in between. If I'm not up all night pooping, I'll be up all night peeing! It's not bad, and you can't taste it if you drink the glass quickly - good luck MoviPrepers."

• Bes...
• November 2, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Easy to put this product in perspective if you've had lots of colonoscopies. Get them every 1-2 years since young adulthood. I have issues with the ones that contain vast amounts of liquid; not yummy either, and I have more nausea because too much liquid too fast. This product, by far the best I've used, also prefer to the OTC method. The smell is lemon, like lemon cleaning products. Don't sit smelling before; just drink it. It tastes of salty lemon Gatorade, so don't use lemon Gatorade as your extra liquid. With this stuff, I had fewer cramps, one of the easiest to take, and cleaned me out great. Side note makes the process easier and cleaner: stop eating seeded food (and nuts) another 24 hours before the diet starts; anything with seeds, including berries and certain veggies (carbs and protein are good)."

• Sis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "This is my 2nd colonoscopy in 3 years. The first prep I used made me feel very ill, so I was looking forward to trying MoviPrep. It took 2 hours from the completion of drinking it for it to cause any motion. It gave me slight gurgling and cramping, but nothing like when you have a stomach virus. I took the 2nd part of it at 2:30 a.m., and it caused me to have motion almost immediately. I was worried that I wouldn't make it to the appointment without having to stop at a bathroom on the way, but I didn't. I was also worried because I never got to the point of clear stools. I told my doctor this when I arrived for the appointment. The doctor ended up telling me that she saw everything fine."

• 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."