Plenvu and Cramps: What Users Say

• Cyn...
• June 11, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Want to lose 13 lbs in 2 days along with all your electrolytes, every single drop of water in your body, and your general will to live? If so, try new Plenvu bowel prep, where our motto is 'if you didn't have hemorrhoids before, you do now!' Dose 1 comes in our great new mango, burned car tire, toilet bowl cleaner sludge flavor! Take it before bed to ensure you get zero sleep and wake up hating everyone and everything. If you survive the night, you get rewarded with another dose at 4 a.m. This one comes in the only slightly less repulsive flavor of fruit punch, saltwater, and enough Aspartame to give cancer to an entire 3rd world country! Side effects include pooping your brains out for days before, during, and after your procedure, anal bleeding, severe muscle cramps, joint pain, headache, severe dehydration, and hoping you poop on the doctor who made you wait an hour and a half after your appointment time to begin your colonoscopy."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I checked out the reviews the night I was to start this for my first colonoscopy. I was horrified, almost to the point of tears. I debated even going through with it! I’m glad I decided to do it. The taste was not the greatest, but tolerable with water after every drink. I started taking it at 5 pm. It started working within the hour, no cramping, no stomach upset. I was done by 10 and slept all night. I woke up at 5 am to start the next dose, which I thought was better than the first. Again, it started working within the hour and was done by 9:30 am. No adverse reactions! I wish I had never read the reviews on this. The taste was the worst, the first dose tasted like mango flavor with salt water, the second dose was fruit punch with slight salt water, but it was tolerable with water after every drink. They found 1 polyp and removed it, benign, thank God! I fully recommend this product!"

• CAT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I did the split dose and was able to get it down with no issues. I mixed the solution a few hours in advance and let it chill in the fridge. I drank half at 5 pm instead of 6 (with no straw so I could get it down faster), had water, then finished the rest about 10 minutes later, followed by more water. It tasted like a fruit drink to me. The first dose took about an hour to kick in, but once it did, I had no cramping, discomfort, etc. Just a lot of watery movements. It did, however, make me extremely cold. After a couple of hours, I was done for the night and able to get a good night's sleep. Took the second dose this morning at 6 am, and within 20 minutes it started working. Same experience as last night, and an hour later, I'm in great shape for my colonoscopy! I'm thrilled that this was the complete opposite of what I expected and feel a huge sense of relief that the process worked as needed."

• She...
• May 28, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "There is only one word for this bowel preparation: NASTY. Please listen to the reviews. I have had three colonoscopies and never have I been in so much pain. I actually felt like my stomach would explode, and the cramps were unbelievable. I contemplated going to the ED and called the hospital. After a few hours on the toilet, it has settled a little. I am probably NOT going to take the second dose and postpone. This stuff might be successful for some, but it shouldn't be this bad for others."

• mou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Beware! The first dose wasn't too terrible to get down at 5 pm. By 5 am, when I woke to start the second dose, I had a terrible headache that I thought was sinus. It only got worse from there. I started drinking the dose and kept feeling worse: headache, nausea, weakness, cramps. After about 1/4 of the dose, I became violently ill, which only intensified the bad side effects. By 6 am, my husband got my neighbor, a trauma surgeon, to come over and check in on me. She suggested the emergency room. I was happy to go, my symptoms and weakness were scaring me. I'm 65, but I've had several colonoscopies and not gone off the rails like this, and I'm super fit and an avid mountain biker. It took about 4 days before I felt strong and normal. The worst part is, I still have to get a colonoscopy! I won't use Plenvu, but I'm still terrified!"

• SGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "After reading all the bad reviews on here, I was terrified to try Plenvu. But, it wasn’t bad! I think all the preps are going to taste bad, so don’t let that deter you. The mango was definitely harder for me to get down, but I followed each sip with a bite of lemon Italian Ice, and that helped immensely. It worked quickly and effectively without any nausea or cramping. Just a noisy stomach, but I’m sure that’s to be expected. The fruit punch (second dose) was much better tasting, but still not something I would choose to drink if I had other options. I was completely cleaned out and had no issues getting to my appointment. I highly recommend this prep and will use it again when I need my next colonoscopy. Another good note is to definitely use some sort of barrier cream after every movement. Helped me a lot!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I would highly recommend this prep, which I chose for my first colonoscopy. It's the lowest volume option (less to drink), and while I suspect they all taste horrible, I was able to drink this without issue (kept it cold, used a straw to minimize contact with taste buds, and sipped water to clear the aftertaste immediately). I get an upset stomach easily but didn't experience that with this prep. It was effective but with no cramping or nausea, and I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night. I did scale back on certain foods a few days prior, however, (red meat, anything with skin (onions, grapes, etc.). Doc said prep was excellent."

• Mis...
• September 26, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I gave this a 10 for effectiveness because it is unbelievably effective and powerful. That is the only good thing I can say. I have so far used the first part of this prep. Within less than 10 minutes, I was running to the bathroom. Sat for over an hour before I could safely get up. The cramps and stomach pain were terrible. The taste is horrible. I used a straw to try to avoid the taste and still gagged with every drink. Still trying not to throw up. I would never recommend this stuff."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This is my second colonoscopy and my first time using this bowel prep. Took the first dose around 5 pm, and it was a horrible “mango” flavor, but managed to get it down. Stayed on the pot and was pretty confident I was cleared out by 11 pm. Second dose at 5 am tasted so bad it made me throw up a small amount several times afterward. Managed to get it down finally, which resulted in severe stomach pain and cramps up until the time of my procedure. The procedure itself went well, but a full day later my stomach is still tender and sore from the bowel prep cramps the second dose gave me. The pain and gas appear to be dissipating, but I would not recommend this product to anyone. I don’t remember the name of the bowel prep I used last time, but it was cheaper and didn’t have as many horrible side effects."

• 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."

• MD1...
• February 11, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Trialed Plenvu for a colonoscopy prep. It's only the second time I've had the procedure, the previous time I used Picolax. I found Plenvu very easy to use and fast-acting. I had a morning appointment at 8 a.m. I took my first dose at 4:25 p.m. the night before (taking half an hour to drink the solution as advised) - was already active by 5:10 p.m.! I only went 3 or 4 times before I went to bed at 11:30 p.m. Woke up at 2 a.m. for the second dose (again, taking half an hour to drink the solution) and went another 2 times after that. Had my last drink of water at 5:30 a.m. and had to go once more in the hospital just before my appointment at 8 a.m. All in all, it was a pretty smooth process. Picolax I had to wait for a long time before it worked, and it was a cramping sensation each time. This was more of a gentle urge and no pressure or pain involved. The big downside is the taste. I struggled with it, and I'm pretty tolerant. Dose 1 was pretty disgusting, dose 2 was better. I would still recommend it though."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "The worst bowel prep I have ever tried. I’ve had two colonoscopies before with no problems. Back on my feet the next day. Not this time!! Managed dose 1 but could not keep down dose 2. Violent vomiting. Had to cancel the colonoscopy. Two days later, I can’t eat; still have horrible cramping and watery stools. I’m pretty tough, but this has tipped me over the edge. And without having the actual procedure!! Hate to think what state I’d be in if I had dose 2!!! Do not take this!!"

• 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."

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I took this in preference to Klean Prep, as the quantity to drink was much less. This was the only difference. I took Motilium on the tongue before both doses, which stopped nausea. However, the taste and thick consistency made this very hard to swallow, and only great resolve got me through. My restricted low fiber diet was such a help. As my consultant said, what goes in has to come out! Following the first dose, I had two movements only and felt well. Same after the morning dose - which was worse than the first - but about four watery movements and just a little cramping, and that was it. However, the only way I could get this down was the lesser quantity. I could not ever take it again, and very thankfully I won't have to, as I'll be 76 in 10 years' time and no tests after 75! Great money to be made by someone who can come up with a bearable solution."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "This was to be my 3rd colonoscopy, but I ended up in the hospital 12 hours after starting Dose 1 at 5 pm. It worked quickly and thoroughly, but by 10 pm I experienced unrelenting abdominal cramping, which worsened throughout the night. I called my internist, who said this wasn’t normal. I couldn’t hold down any fluids, and the cramps were excruciating. By 5 am I went to the ER. Morphine finally helped. But when they gave me a big potassium pill and a glass of water, the excruciating cramping returned. More morphine helped. They then admitted me to the hospital until I could eat a clear diet without suffering. By 6 pm I was able to do so. It’s 3 days later. I’m slowly beginning to eat solids. Still runny stools and intestinal gurgling. I do not recommend Plenvu. The doctor gave me a sample Plenvu because I’m a kidney donor, but he later said because it’s low volume, it’s more concentrated/harsh."

• JAL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Plenvu was given to me by the doctor because I didn't want to pay $100 for something else. I got the first part down (finished most of it) with the aid of a straw and sips of cold water. It acted within an hour and a half. I had no cramping. The second one taken in the middle of the night was a lot harder to get down, but I got most of it. Took about 45 minutes. Again, no cramping, just expelling watery stuff. Of course, it was impossible to sleep after that since I was up and down the rest of the night going to the toilet for very little results. In the past, I don't remember having to take a second dose of anything and this was my fifth colonoscopy. If I ever have to do it again, I will pay money for a one-dose solution."

• Boh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I drank the 1st dose at 6:00 PM and finished in 30 min, chasing each sip with a little sip of water in another glass. Both with ice cubes. It tasted like salty/artificially sweetened punch but not as bad in my opinion as I had in my mind after reading reviews. I started watery bowels at exactly 1 hour after starting the drink and 30 min after finishing. It is now 7:45, and it hasn’t stopped. I don’t feel nauseous yet, and no cramping. I’m hoping I’ll get a break to sleep, but I’m remaining optimistic. I’ll update after the 2nd dose."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I was very anxious after reading these reviews. This prep was fine. Sure, it tastes icky, salty, sweet, but only 16 oz of it at 4 pm and again at 8 pm. I alternated the Plenvu and a little apple juice to get rid of the bad taste. I had bad cramps two hours after the first dose and really started going right around the 9 pm hour. Last movement around 1 am, was empty at that point."

• 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."

• Ash...
• June 1, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Took this for a colonoscopy prep. I have ulcerative colitis, I've had it for 17 years (I'm 22, will be 23 this month), so I'm a veteran when it comes to colonoscopies and bowel preps. I tried Plenvu once before when I was in high school. This time, at 22, was an absolute nightmare. The first dose was the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted. If I could vividly describe it, it would have to be: someone poured an expired, flat Fanta into a puddle in the back of a parking lot. And now you're drinking it. Struggled not to barf but managed to get through. Had many, many gallons of fluid and stuff pour out of me for the next 4 hours. Had to get up at 4 for the second dose - that dose was awful. It tasted slightly better. I literally held the solution down for 30 minutes before violently barfing it up. Today, after the colonoscopy, still diarrhea and bad, sharp cramps until 3 pm. Then at 5 am, I was woken up with severe cramps on top of constant diarrhea."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I hadn't seen these reviews when I was going to do my prep. I'm one dose in and I wanted to share my experience. I ate normally the day before prep. On the day of prep (today), I've had nothing but water, a cup of jello, and some soup broth. I began mixing my prep 10 minutes before go time at 5 pm. I kept stirring and stirring to ensure everything was dissolved. The initial smell was fruity, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Once I took my first sip, it was super salty and super sweet all in one. It was confusing but not unbearable. The saltiness didn't affect me after the first 2 or 3 sips. I continuously took sips and I got it all done in less than 20 minutes. No weird tummy feelings really, just had to burp a couple of times. Once done, my stomach felt different, but not bad. One hour in, bowel movements started. Water consistency pretty much off the bat. No nausea, no real cramping. Overall, this isn't bad at all, just kinda gross lol with the bowel movements."

• Vil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "My 1st colonoscopy. I wish I had read reviews on this prep before I used it. 5 days later and I'm still not over the trauma of this vile powder. Took 1st dose at 6 pm, it was disgusting, but I somehow got it down within the 30 min timeframe. 10 pm started some cramping and rumbling. 6 am began 2nd dose, was even worse and gagging it down. Couldn't take the last couple of sips because I was on the verge of throwing it all up. I didn't have a bowel movement until 9:15 am!! Procedure was at 12 pm. I woke up to being told that it was incomplete due to poor bowel prep and would need to redo it. I burst into tears. The cramping didn't stop for 4 days after either. It's going to be a while before I attempt again and will not be using this prep!!"