Plenvu and Bloating: What Users Say

• Pam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2024

For Bowel Preparation "Easier prep than last time. Started both doses 1.5-2 hrs early, which gave me some “rest” time between long bouts of pooping. Chilled the prep about an hour. Took Zofran (Rx anti-nausea) one hour before drinking each dose, and chewed Simethicone tablets (OTC anti-gas) following. Drank with nose pinched to suppress taste (sweet, salty flavor). Dose 1: three parts over ten minutes, alternating with ginger ale. Went down just fine. No side effects. Dose 2: slightly more difficult due to large amount of liquid I had consumed between doses. Slight bloating but no cramping or nausea. Both doses began diarrhea within ten minutes - not separate BMs, but one long continuous dribble (Dose 1, 1.5 hrs; Dose 2, 2.5 hrs). Stopped pooping about 30 min. before leaving for clinic. I was cold the entire prep time, which RN said is common. Have entertainment, water, and soft TP. Blot, don’t wipe, use occasional baby wipe to soothe. Hope this helps. Not as bad as some commenters say."

• 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."

• 55M...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I have had three colonoscopies, and this prep was by far the worst, BUT very effective. I started the first dose at 6 pm and had a hard time drinking it all. Within 20 minutes, every negative side effect started ... bloating, nausea, runny nose, chills, feelings of nervousness, and need to vomit, which I did. It kicked in relatively quickly. I drank most of the first dose but not all and went to the bathroom until about 10 pm. I called the doctor, and he gave me tips, including drinking ginger tea. I tried to sleep before the 1:15 am dose #2 but could not fall asleep. I tried to finish before the side effects started again but could not. I left about 1/4 that I just could not choke down. All the same side effects. I went to the bathroom until about 4 am and tried to sleep but could not. I went to the bathroom another 5-6 times before the 8 am procedure. Even though I did not finish and vomited the first dose, I still had clear discharge before the procedure."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I'm 26, this is my 1st colonoscopy. I have nothing to compare the prep to. Dose 1 is FOUL. Gag with every sip, even when chased with ice water. Projectile vomit twice, one halfway and one when done. I had to lay down and shut my eyes because of the nausea. I had a migraine all day, so that probably contributed. I was bloated, but did not have a BM until I started dose 2. Whoever suggested a hot bath is a SAINT because I felt so awful after dose 1. I didn't know how to cope, the bath helps. Dose 2 is much more tolerable. Less powder, less thick. Flavor is better. Still very salty and needs an ice water chaser. The liquid BMs have been really frequent since starting dose 2. It's been hard to drink in between. However, there is no abdominal pain involved. It is amazing compared to the awful pain I have had that has driven me to get this done. All in all, I was scared to death about dose 2 because of how awful dose 1 was. But that made dose 2 seem kinder."

• Blo...
• November 15, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This tastes like thick, foul ocean water. It has been 8 hours and I have gone some, but I feel bloated and cramping. The doctor has canceled my colonoscopy due to it not working as it should. I even drank more water than required. Once I finally do go, that will literally be $50 down the toilet."

• Poc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I took my first dose of Plenvu for a bowel prep at 6 pm this evening, drank 500 ml of water after, and within 5 mins, I felt bloated and uncomfortable, and then 10 mins later I was on the toilet. Feel quite nauseous but haven’t been sick. I don’t feel poorly at all so far, but after reading the other comments on here, I’ve already prepped Dose 2 and put it in the fridge. I think I’m averaging 3-5 minutes in between bathroom visits, but as long as it works for my procedure tomorrow, I don’t mind. Not looking forward to Dose 2, but it’s got to be done. Yes, flavors are difficult as they’re sweet and salty, but I had it alongside a glass of tonic water to help. I think 30 mins isn’t much time for 500 ml, but at least it gets it over and done with."

• Azm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Do not use!!!! It tasted awful and a very bad experience. Got nauseous taking the first one and almost threw up. I took it at 5 pm and did not have a bowel movement until 4 am. I barely slept since I was worried about the delay it took. Took the second dose, again, it tasted very bad and I was barely able to drink. Finally, my bowels opened up! Did not finish until 8:15 am and left for my appointment at 8:45 am. This was also worrisome and frustrating that it took this long to work?! The night after the procedure, I could not sleep because I was still bloated and my belly hurt a bit. I would not recommend it even if you get it free like I did. It was my GI doctor's sample. Big mistake."

• Eni...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "This was the worst prep ever. I’m in my 60s and have had a few colonoscopies in the past. Everyone should have this test, as it saves lives. That said, never allow a Dr to push this prep on you. I was sick, up all night and still sick several hours after my procedure. Yes, the taste is horrible, but that can be overlooked. The gas, bloating, and excess are absolutely unacceptable. Avoid or switch Drs, but get the test."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Although the results were complete, the taste was awful, as well as the bloated feeling, and nausea was overwhelming. The side effects lasted about 3-4 hours after each dose, I would prefer to use a different prep the next time."

• Fan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I started my first dose of this at 6 pm. It took me an hour to drink it all because the taste was so horrible. Didn't feel bloated or anything, just became very cold and couldn't warm up until I took a very hot bath. I feel this product works well, you just can't tell me they can't put some sort of flavoring in this. It tasted of onions and fish and rotten socks to me. Will try to drink the second dose with a straw."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I am a 23-year-old female and have suffered with constipation on and off for years. My doctor recommended coming in for a colonoscopy, and I was terrified. I fasted for a day and a half, and that definitely helped things go smoother. It was certainly odd to have liquid stool, but that is the point! This worked very well in cleaning me out for the doctor. It didn’t cause me any pain, just a little bloating and gas discomfort. The prep is certainly the worst part of the colonoscopy experience, but this prep wasn’t all as bad as I thought. The taste wasn’t great, but also not as bad as I was expecting. Drinking any large amount of liquid causes nausea, and I wouldn’t blame it on the medicine! No polyps, and I don’t have to have another one until I’m much older. It’s natural to be nervous, but don’t let that sway you from getting this done!! :)"

• sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "The instructions were very clear and easy to read. In terms of actually taking it, for both doses MAKE SURE IT IS COLD. You want it ice cold (although don't dilute it with ice, use an ice pack if you can). Don't try and chug it. The salt will make you throw it all up again. Sip it through a straw and have another pint of water next to you to sip. As for doses, the 'mango' flavor was awful. It was a real struggle to get it down, sips of plain water were the only way I could manage it. I also ended up feeling very bloated and uncomfortable. The second dose, however, was a lot more palatable and went down much easier without any of the bloat or nausea of the first dose. After effects... I'm a big guy, so it took a couple of hours for it to kick in and took another 2 hours for me to be cleared out enough that I could go to sleep without having to worry."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "This is about my sixth colonoscopy but first time with Plenvu, and I will NEVER use it again! I took it at 6 pm for over an hour, as recommended (initially made me feel nauseous). Just after 7 pm, the bloating and stomach cramps started... and not just any stomach cramps. I have Crohn's disease, so I know bad stomach pain... these were akin to labor, and I'm not kidding, thought something serious was going on. After 2 hours of agony, the movements started. They were mostly over by 10:30 pm, with only 2 visits during the night. The next dose at 6 am made me want to heave again. No pain this time, was just back and forth to the loo for the next 4 to 5 hours. They say they get better results with Plenvu, but something that makes you feel that bad can't be good for you, so sticking to Moviprep!"

• Jan...
• August 11, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Took the first dose at 6 pm. Difficult to swallow, tastes disgusting. Struggled to finish in 30 minutes. Felt very bloated. No motion passed. Took the second dose at 9 pm. Felt terribly sick and bloated. Waves of nausea came, and after about 20 minutes, I started to pass brown fluid, but I couldn't get to the toilet in time. I tried to get some sleep between the many trips to the toilet but didn't manage any for a couple of hours. The next morning I felt awful and had high blood pressure. I waited 2 1/4 hours for my procedure, with my bloated tummy gurgling and popping. My procedure was then canceled as my BP was 210/106! Went home after tea and biscuits, which went straight through me in the car home. Tummy affected for a further two days. BP now back to normal, 131/72 on day 4. I have white coat syndrome but never to that extent. I had an ERCP procedure 3 weeks ago without a bowel prep and no problem with my blood pressure. Will not take this again."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I followed every step, from the diet for 7 days prior until the split dose. My biggest problem had been gas and bloating, no cramps, starved from 1 pm yesterday for my appointment today at 3 pm. It was unsuccessful. The colon was not cleansed despite being unable to leave the bathroom from 6 am this morning. Now I'm back home with horrendous cramping and bloating. All the diet fasting and drinking the liquid was all for nothing, I won't go back for another try."

• LLN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I found the first dose harder to handle than the second. I had cramps after the first dose. It was hard to get down and took me 90 minutes to finish. The second dose I finished in 35 minutes. Both doses made me bloated and nauseous. I also had chills after the second dose. It seems to be working as expected. I didn’t find using a straw helped, but keeping it cold and taking water after each drink of the solution did help."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I started my first dose at 4:15. It’s now 7:00, and my stomach is so bloated and cramping and gurgling that I cannot even think about doing dose two. I’ve never heard or felt my stomach doing what it’s doing. The instructions say if you’re experiencing severe bloating, wait until your stomach feels better to start the second packet. Gurgle gurgle, stomach cramps. Whatever preps I used before, I did not have this happen. I thought it was going to be much better when they told me I could do the ‘mini prep’. I have to be in tomorrow for 8:30 AM. Can I take anti-gas pills? I’m scared to start packet 2. I will not do Plenvu again. I’m tough, age 62, never had stomach cramps or period cramps before - feeling crampy is a first for me."

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I’m not a stranger to bowel prep; this is my 5th time. What makes Plenvu unique is the small amount that you’re required to drink. Unfortunately, what it lacks in volume, it makes up in intensity. Everything about this prep is intense. The taste, the gurgling, the bloating — for me, it was all more uncomfortable than usual. That said, no vomiting, and I survived, and it was effective. Btw, I needed more time with this prep. I started dose one at 4 p.m. (instead of 6 p.m.), and dose one was still working 10 hours later. I started dose two at 2 a.m. for a 9:20 a.m. report time. I was pretty much “all clear” by 6 a.m."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "So, thanks to all of the comments on this site re: Plenvu, I made a plan for drinking the prep. I took Zofran anti-emetic an hour before I started the prep (asked Dr. for Rx--thanks to the person who recommended!). I mixed and chilled Dose 1 for about 3 hours in the fridge before I started. I got a McDonald's straw (wide diameter) and put the straw all the way back in my mouth and sucked down the juice. I also held my breath, only breathing through my mouth, to ensure that I would not get the nasty taste. I did get a bit of the bitter taste, but immediately washed my mouth out with water and drank Gatorade as a chaser. I think it was key that I used the straw and also did not breathe through my nose. It took me about 4 long pulls with the straw and I got it all down in 30 minutes. This method worked well--I feel okay except for some dizziness and bloating. Now just sipping cold Gatorade and waiting for the magic to happen. It's been an hour and nothing yet, only noisy gas rumblings..."

• rog...
• May 6, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Using the split dose, it seems to be working quite well. I'm 80 y/o, and haven't had a colonoscopy for about 12 yrs prior. Honestly, I'm rather impressed with the taste and the performance. My initial reaction to the flavor was biting into a fresh peach...that portion nearest the pit. Very dominant. On the other hand, though, it's touted to taste like mango [packet #1], so you be the judge. I have no additional side effects beyond feeling a bit bloated [I'm just 45 minutes into packet #1]. It's easy to mix and dissolves rather quickly, as its texture is finer than table sugar."

• Mea...
• July 23, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "This was my second colonoscopy. Can’t remember much of the first one, only that I had real cramps and didn’t produce much. For this one, I started my first prep at 3:30 pm. All I did was just close off my nose from smelling or tasting so it went down easier. Took about 15 minutes to finish prep and then drank two more bottles of water. Didn’t taste a thing. A few belches was the only way I knew what it tasted like. I had some bloating because of all the liquids you have to drink in an hour's time. Took about an hour and a half after I finished, then the floodgates opened. No cramps or nausea with this step. It lasted until about 7:00 pm. Felt okay. Slept about 4 hours until the second at 1:30 am. The second dose was a little hard to get down. I was tired and not much in my stomach to coat the second dose. Got a little nauseous with this step. I took my time drinking the second dose and it took everything I had to keep it down, and I did. It does the job with minimal side effects."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Soooo. It has been an hour since my first dose and nothing but real bad cramping and discomfort in my upper GI. I have had no BM yet. I am extremely bloated and uncomfortable. Hopefully, dose 2 goes better. But I do have to do an enema at 6 am as well."

• 1st...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "This was my 1st colonoscopy, so I had no history to look back on. The reviews on here were spot on for Dose 1. It’s an awful mango flavor that’s sweet, salty, and thick. The mere thought of it still makes me queasy. I managed to finish 95% of it in about 40-45 minutes. Drinking apple juice in between sips was definitely helpful advice. I had a temporary crown installed the week before and was on a very soft food diet, so that really helped. Dose one did its job effectively. My doctor gave me anti-nausea meds, and I took those based on the reviews from this site. I had zero issues with bloating or cramping. Dose 2, at a wonderful 4:15 AM, was another awful fruit punch flavor that was just as sweet and salty as Dose 1, but thank God it wasn’t a syrup consistency. I choked down 90% of it and quit when I threw it up. Overall, this was an awful prep experience, but I never really vomited, so thankful for that at least. My colonoscopy went well."

• Bri...
• June 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I got cramps, shivers, bloatedness. The next morning I still had to go. It tasted so bad. I don’t like the 3 days beforehand you have to limit your diet too."