Plenvu and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Mom...
• July 21, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I was freaked out after reading all the negative reviews. I have anxiety about taking medication, and I knew this wasn’t going to be pleasant. But it really wasn’t that bad. With Plenvu, I had no side effects other than the expected diarrhea. No pain, no anxiety, no dizziness, no vomiting. It doesn’t taste great, but it’s not horrible either. It started working an hour after I finished the prep."

• Hak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "It works, but I really can’t believe this is on the market. I suggest a liquid diet the day before starting this. It helped. I took the first dose about 5:10 pm the day before my procedure. I could not finish it all in the half hour. In about 30 min, it started working, and I was on the toilet about every 5-10 min for the next hour or two. I fell asleep from 9-10 pm, then woke up, went some more, then slept from about midnight to 4:30 am when I had to take the 2nd dose. So...the roughest part...the second dose is so awful. I tried a sip of solution, a sip of Gatorade back and forth, and it didn’t help. I even shoved a slice of lemon in my mouth at one point - nope. I only got half the solution down then quit because my body was telling me to stop. An hour later I threw it all up but it still had me going clear. Side effects I experienced are headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting, dry heaving, diarrhea - but it was gentle. My advice: if your body is telling you to stop drinking, then stop."

• Bob...
• February 20, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "My experience was a breeze. Took 1st dose the day before at 2:30 pm, had a significant 'diarrhea' bowel movement about 30 m later, not much. No sitting on the toilet for hours, no soiling my pants... Got up at 4:15 am for the 2nd dose, had 3 mostly liquid bowel movements before heading to the hospital. No risk of 'losing it' before reaching the bathroom, should have gone back to bed. I was afraid to go back to bed. Last bowel movements clear and yellowish, post-procedure notes state that the prep was excellent. Taste wasn't great, Gatorade didn't really taste better. Used a straw, drank the 16 oz in 3 big gulps. No biggie. Drank an extra gallon over the prep time: tea, water, Gatorade, chicken stock... Stopped 2 h before the procedure. Everyone is different, but it was hassle-free for me"

• Oka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Mixed up the Plenvu dose 1 the day before I was supposed to take it, and then noticed the instruction not to mix more than 6 hours before taking. Stuck it in the freezer and called the hotline. They said it would taste weird and not be effective, but agreed freezing it was a good idea and told me to call the doctor in the morning. The doctor’s office said, “no problem, just shake it up.” Thawed and took as directed that evening. It tasted horrible, but thanks to this forum I knew that was normal. Also learned from this forum that using a straw and drinking apple juice between bouts of the prep drink helps get it down. Within an hour or so, the prep took effect. Several episodes of watery diarrhea over the next 4 hours, with half-hour gaps. A few hours of sleep, then more diarrhea at 3 am and time for dose 2, mixed fresh. It was thicker and harder for me to get down. Eventually, I threw it all up, but the prep was successful anyway - phew. Will probably ask for different prep next time."

• Div...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Diagnosed in 2001 with diverticulitis, and being past a certain age (now need to screen for colon cancer), I have much experience with these procedures. That being said, Plenvu is the worst GI prep ever! Go-Lytely is much better, it works more efficiently. Heck, anything else is better (Miralax or even magnesium citrate). This stuff could make a maggot gag. Diarrhea achieved, but vomiting is not necessary for a colonoscopy. Caused needless suffering... Never again!"

• 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!!!"

• Suz...
• January 16, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "This was my first time using this prep for a colonoscopy. One hour after the first dose, I started having explosive diarrhea. This continued through the second dose and throughout the night. I got no sleep. I started becoming nauseous, weak, and began having burning pain on my skin wherever the diarrhea fluid touched the skin on my bottom. By morning, I could not touch the skin without excruciating pain. I was so weak by the time I got to the surgery center for the procedure, I requested a wheelchair. Having done previous preps for colonoscopies, I cannot recommend Plenvu. It was much too harsh on my body. It is now 2 days since my procedure, and I am still recovering from the pain and exhaustion from using Plenvu."

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

For Bowel Preparation "The doctor said this was a new medication and it would be easier than last time. Last time, it was simple. No side effects. I don’t know which meds he gave. Right now, I am soooo ill. It felt like a 9 out of 10. Like the stomach flu. Diarrhea and vomiting. This was after the second dose. I NEVER felt this with the other meds. Today, after the colonoscopy, if I can even make it there, I will find out the other meds."

• Ali...
• November 22, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Though effective, the side effects of Plenvu were too unpleasant. Although I started my liquid diet 48 hours prior to the procedure, I had a total of 16 explosive bowel movements, 8 the day before the procedure after dose one and 8 the second day till the time of the procedure. Also, in the morning, I was throwing up and having diarrhea at the same time. Compared to other preps I have taken in the past, Plenvu was much harder on my body. I will avoid taking it next time I have to do a colonoscopy."

• 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!!"

• IBS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I was prescribed Plenvu prep for an upcoming colonoscopy, which was today. The first dose is flavored with artificial mango flavor. It was the most vile thing I'd ever tasted. I managed to get the majority of it down. There was 1 ounce I couldn't finish. Before I was done, I had explosive diarrhea. I didn't make it to the bathroom. From here on out, it was pure liquid that ran through me. I took the second dose 6 hours later, and it was even worse than the first dose. I could only finish 14 of the 16 ounces. Again, it just ran right through me. I'd eaten extremely light Monday through Wednesday, and I think that helped tremendously. Shortly after the second dose, my head began to throb. I'd been hydrating before and during the first dose and struggled mightily with the second. All I could smell and taste was the disgusting fruit punch flavor. I finally dozed off around 1 a.m. Woke up at 5 a.m. and had passed more liquid in my sleep."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• eld...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I thought the second dose was going to kill me before I had even drunk 2/3 of it. I was nauseated and lightheaded. I took a sip of decaffeinated tea, which was quickly followed by simultaneous projectile vomiting and diarrhea. I am so angry that I don't intend to ever have another colonoscopy, let alone attempt to ingest this product EVER again."

• fla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Never had problems with GoLightly. Dr. insisted on Plenvu even though I said I did not want it or the out-of-pocket cost of $50. Packet #1 tastes worse than GoLightly. Plus, I projectile vomited after the bottle of water. Also, my nose started running immediately with the first taste. I used an entire box of Kleenex. Did not want to miss my colonoscopy. Had already had to reschedule. So I used Magnesium Citrate to replace the first packet, which was vomited. I have no reaction to this $2 per bottle drug either. Waited required time and took the 2nd packet. Tasted better, but I never made it through the whole bottle without having to throw up again. Even though I had watery diarrhea all night, I got sent home the next morning for 'poor bowel prep.' I did get a FREE bottle of GoLightly this time. This will be my last attempt at a colonoscopy, which has never bothered me before Plenvu."

• 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."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I am a fit 79-year-old. Walk 10 kilometers a day minimum. I weigh 51 kilograms. From the moment I started taking this obnoxious, aggressive Plenvu, I had diarrhea within the hour. Persevered with it. Vomited and diarrhea constantly until I was helped onto the theater table the next day. Had my colonoscopy (my 5th). I was and am still severely dehydrated. Rehydrated at A & E. I think this horrific drug dosage should be administered according to the weight of the patient. There is no doubt it was too much for my weight of 51 kilograms. I will NEVER take it again. Home ill in bed can only take liquids like Aquarius, electrolyte mixes, and tea."

• Pam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "First dose took 9 1/2 hours for the first BM. 2nd dose started working immediately. Two days after the colonoscopy, I still have very runny stools within 10 minutes after I eat anything. I will never use this product again. I need to have colonoscopies every 3 years. There has to be a better product out there that does not have this disgusting taste."

• 728...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Absolutely NEVER take this. I got the first dose down with some serious struggling. The second dose at 6 a.m., and I started gagging after I was about 3/4 finished. Then I started vomiting and having diarrhea within minutes. I vomited more than I ever have in my life. No matter how many fluids I drank, I felt like a prune. -1,000/10"

• Rlc...
• March 28, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Just used Plenvu for my colonoscopy today. Like others, my experience was extreme and extended diarrhea, which lasted into my procedure and after I returned from the hospital. Twelve hours between doses usually means no sleep, which was my experience. Lastly, it tastes awful and is hard to drink. There are better options with more desirable results. This is a new drug on the market, but two gastroenterologists I spoke to never heard of it."

• Pas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This was my 3rd colonoscopy, worst prep and aftereffects yet. Was barely able to keep the first night dose down. Morning prep was somewhat better but was severely dehydrated. Lost all color, weak, wobbly, had to get extra IV fluids before/during the procedure. After I left, I drank several large glasses of fluids to feel somewhat normal. Still had squirts that evening. I asked for NEVER USE PLENVU AGAIN to be in my file in red letters."

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

For Bowel Preparation "I took my first dose last night, took around 2 hours to take effect, and the next one at 6 am today. The first dose is a little salty but not as bad as some say, with a hint of mango. The second dose is thicker and stronger. I took 3 sips to 2 sips of water. Everybody is different, I know, and as I have had diarrhea for the last 8 months, my experience isn't too bad. I've had worse without the laxative. Hope this reassures people."

• Los...
• July 10, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "This was far the worst prep I ever had! Yes, less volume, but half of it was the powder prep. The taste was awful. Nauseated. Then, within an hour, diarrhea started which is expected, but I never felt the urge to go to the bathroom, it ran out of me, no warning. Didn't know I was going until I felt my butt get moist, and it was running down my legs! Thankful I had some kids' diapers I could use. Otherwise, I would have had to sleep on the bathroom floor. Did wake up due to a diaper full of poop. The second dose I could only get down 1/4 of it. Never again! This should only be used on constipated elephants!!"

• Lak...
• March 7, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Started the prep at 12 PM. I was first given a laxative to take, within a couple of hours, had the runs. Within a couple of hours, I was already yellow to clear. At 5 PM, I started drinking the first dose of Plenvu, within a half hour, I was on the toilet. Five hours of nonstop going! Felt cold during the night, didn't get any sleep. Started drinking the second dose at 5 AM for an 8 AM procedure. I couldn't get off the toilet. I started shaking, so weak I could hardly stand, lightheaded, and my mouth so dry. Needless to say, I had to cancel the procedure. I will never take Plenvu again! Still feeling the aftermath, stomach is so messed up."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Absolutely foul tasting! Overly sweet, aspartame heavy, and just disgusting. Plenvu, just don't flavor it and let people add their own flavors with cordial or clear fruit juice because the taste of this is absolutely vomit-inducing. After trying to get this down, the explosive diarrhea started within half an hour, and I didn't get off the toilet for about 2 hours. Once I'd had a break for a couple of hours, gulped the second sachet down, and kept peeing out of my butt for another 4 hours. I felt nauseated and crampy afterwards. During the procedure, the doc said it hadn't even cleared my bowel properly, and they had to flush parts of my bowel. Absolutely useless. Moviprep is much better. Tastes just as bad but cleared my colon way more effectively. My tips are to do this during the day before the procedure and eat clear broths two days before. Also, just drink water rather than black coffee as it looks scary on the screen when you see it! I got this on NHS, so no fee."