Plenvu and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I wrote my last review after my first dose. Well, four hours after my second dose, my thoughts have changed. The first one was easy. The second dose made me nauseous about halfway through. I didn't finish the liquid because it would have made me vomit. Not that it mattered. I've spent the last four hours on the toilet. My backside is raw. It hurts so bad I cry every time I have to clean it. And I'm very dehydrated. I could keep myself hydrated with the first dose because I could drink, but I couldn't drink past midnight. Which meant I took my second dose by itself. Telling someone to take a second dose during a time when you're not supposed to drink is just cruel. Does it work? Yes. But I'm not sure it's worth it."

• Lun...
• November 28, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Very effective way of emptying bowels. I am 18 years old and had my first colonoscopy today. The worst part of Plenvu was the taste, and I struggled very hard with finishing the liquids. I did not have any side effects such as nausea or discomfort, but I did spend a solid 12 hours in the bathroom. I still felt the need to have bowel movements even after my colonoscopy, even though my colon was perfectly clean."

• ARa...
• January 7, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Took my first dose, it was horrible tasting. I could barely take a sip without gagging in disgust. I got a method of a sip of the medicine, then a sip of apple juice going, and that worked. About 8 hours later, I started my second dose, which surprisingly tasted even worse than the first dose. I drank half, and after 5 minutes, projectile vomited everything. I waited about 10 minutes and finished the rest and laid down, thinking I would be fine. Nope, as soon as I got back up, I projectile vomited the rest again. Hopefully, I will still be able to have my procedure, but seeing as I threw up all of dose 2, I’m not sure how that will go. 0/10 would not recommend, if you have any other options, please go with those."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "This stuff tastes absolutely horrible. Was able to choke down the first dose, however, I threw up the second dosage but was still able to absorb enough to complete the procedure. It acted very quickly for me (in about 50 minutes) and actually didn’t hurt my stomach too badly at the time. I’m recovering now, and my stomach hurts very badly, and I feel pretty terrible, but it did the job. Overall, it’s effective but pretty unpleasant."

• tex...
• January 31, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "3rd colonoscopy. 1st one 9 years ago, 2nd 3 years ago. Previous Golightly and Suprep. This one (Plenvu) is awful. I think the thickness is the most repulsive part. Held my nose with each gulp through a straw and followed with iced tea, which I also mixed with the 1st dose instead of water. Second dose at 2 am mixed with water only. Not as thick, easier to get down, chased with iced tea. Couldn’t finish the last 2 oz. No cramps, not explosive, passing water BUT...it’s the color of iced tea and not sure if it’s fecal matter or just due to my drinking tea. Some preps say nothing 2 hrs before the procedure, my doctor’s office said 3 and the nurse said 4, which is it??? My husband took pills for his and it was easy for him. My doctor offered and I should’ve tried them....no more liquid preps!!! Nice if this could be administered through IV. Solitaire on iPad on the toilet helps pass the time."

• 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."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I used Plenvu to prep for a colonoscopy I had yesterday. I was extremely worried after reading the reviews that it was going to be a terrible experience (this is my second colonoscopy and used Suprep the first time). I did the 2-day split dosage. I started with the first drink around 6 pm, and by the time I finished (about 30 minutes), it was already affecting me. That lasted for about 2 hours, and then I was done…no cramping, and I slept really well through the night. I took my second drink at 4:30 am, and I had more stomach discomfort than the night before, but my doctor had also prescribed gas pills that I took after the drink, which helped. By the time we left for the hospital (around 8 am), everything was done. I was extremely cold after drinking the second drink in the morning, and that lasted for about an hour and a half, and then passed. I have a very sensitive stomach and am also prone to nausea, and I didn’t have any of those kinds of feelings/side effects."

• 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."

• Ano...
• April 11, 2025

For Bowel Preparation "Had Plenvu for colonoscopy, the last 2 times was given MoviPrep. Firstly, it tastes vile, especially the 2nd dose, but I was pleased that the amount you have to drink is only 500 ml (twice), which is a lot less than other brands. My opinion is make it up first, leave it to chill in the fridge, then sip it slowly over 60 mins, it started to work really quickly once I'd finished it. The 2nd dose is a different story (well, it was for me!) I tried to drink it as I'd done with the first dose but felt sick pretty quickly, kept going but vomited most of it back, I was panicking because I didn't want the procedure to fail, so I left it at least an hour and started again with what I'd got left, approximately half, sipped it extremely slow and with each sip drank a lot of water immediately after. This took ages to get down but it stayed down, it did prolong the loo trips well into the night though (morning appointment). My procedure went well and my bowel was the clearest it's ever been, so it was worth it, just about!"

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

For Bowel Preparation "So far, (after first dose, before second) satisfactory. Finished first dose, followed with equal volume of water. Not a great taste, but no gagging or nausea. No other side effects. Liquid bowel movements at 1 and 2 hours after. No anal area problems. May have helped that my instructions included a three-day low fiber diet, then only clear liquids 36 hours before the first dose, and Dulcolax laxative 24 hours before the first dose, so my system was already empty. Also, I weigh 265 lb, so effects possibly different than for smaller people."

• 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."

• Not...
• September 24, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Getting ready for colonoscopy and unsuccessfully tried Go-Lightly before. My doctor said to mix with Sprite or Gatorade. I did and used the container provided, put the Sprite in, then Plenvu, and it erupted all over the countertop without stirring or shaking. I was excited to try this new prep, since my family has a history of colon cancer, this is a necessary evil. First gulp, I was horrified! It was so nasty tasting! I tried a few sips and got very nauseous. I wanted this to work, so I added apple juice too. Much easier, but still gagging. I finished it, added more apple juice, and just couldn’t finish the last inch of liquid in the bottom of the container. Very, very slow acting! It has been 4 1/2 hours, and my insides are rumbling, but not much else. I am very disappointed."

• DLT...
• November 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I get nausea and motion sickness very easily. For me, any bowel prep is going to be a challenge. With this in mind, I took some anti-nausea medicine before the first dose (4 mg Ondansetron). That worked well. The second dose was 14 hours after the first. It didn't taste or smell too bad. The ascorbic acid taste (vitamin C) helped a lot. I didn't take any anti-nausea meds for Dose 2. Ninety minutes later, I had forceful vomiting. Cleaning it up at 3:30 a.m. helped to take my mind off the bloating! :-) I had to run several more times up to 4 1/2 hours after starting the second dose. The procedure went smoothly and the endoscopist said that the prep was great, despite the fact that I probably threw up half of the second dose. Next time, I will ask for enough anti-nausea meds to cover both doses of bowel prep. I suggest that others consider this if they are prone to nausea and vomiting. Even good doctors don't think of meds, as less than 10% of people throw up with bowel prep."

• DLT...
• November 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I get nausea and motion sickness very easily. For me, any bowel prep is going to be a challenge. With this in mind, I took some anti-nausea medicine before the first dose (4 mg Ondansetron). That worked well. The second dose was 14 hours after the first. It didn't taste or smell too bad. The ascorbic acid taste (vitamin C) helped a lot. I didn't take any anti-nausea meds for Dose 2. Ninety minutes later, I had forceful vomiting. Cleaning it up at 3:30 a.m. helped to take my mind off the bloating! :-) I had to run several more times up to 4 1/2 hours after starting the second dose. The procedure went smoothly and the endoscopist said that the prep was great, despite the fact that I probably threw up half of the second dose. Next time, I will ask for enough anti-nausea meds to cover both doses of bowel prep. I suggest that others consider this if they are prone to nausea and vomiting. Even good doctors don't think of meds, as less than 10% of people throw up with bowel prep."

• 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."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "By far the most disgusting bowel prep I have taken (5 in all). The taste was horrible, even while plugging my nose. Try as I might, I could not choke down all of the second glass and wound up throwing up most of what I did drink. I will never take it again."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2025

For Bowel Preparation "Recently had a colonoscopy and was given Plenvu as a bowel prep. I have had other bowel preps before and found them very hard going, but Plenvu wasn’t that bad as long as you drink it cold and very slowly. Yes, I did get fed up with the taste of the first dose and couldn’t really wait to finish it. Bowels emptied about an hour later. The worst bit for me was getting up at 4 am to take the second dose. This dose was a different flavor, and I managed to drink it down in 3 gulps. Nothing happened, so I went to bed. It was about 6 am when I had to get up and more bowel emptying. I did feel a bit nauseous after the second dose, but I think it could be due to me drinking it too quickly. My opinion is that you should follow the low-residue diet before and also take the Senokot like they advise you, and all should go well. My colonoscopy was straightforward, and all was okay, thank God. I really hope this helps people."

• 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."

• Yen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "I've been diagnosed with panic disorder and generalized anxiety, so I can tell you that I was petrified about taking Plenvu, but I needn't have worried. It tasted pretty grim (like salty sherbet gel water), but chilled and with a straw, it was easy enough to drink. I didn't feel nauseous or have any stomach pains following it. The toilet experience wasn't as bad as anticipated, and I didn't have any close calls, it felt urgent but not desperately so. I was able to relax on the sofa after about 1/2 an hour of it taking effect. For the second dose, the worst part was having to get up at 6 a.m. to take it. It was harder to drink, but with a glass of water to sip, I got it down. Again, no stomach pains or nausea followed and easy passing of liquid. By the time I left for the hospital, I wasn't afraid of leaking or anything, but I did use a sanitary pad just in case. My colon was clean as a whistle, so it works very well! I ate white low-fiber food for three days before, so that helps for sure!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I took the first Plenvu dose 6 hours ago and have tried repeatedly to go to the bathroom. Nothing. Drank a bunch of fluids. I called the 24-hour help number on the box and the lady said it is very normal not to have to go with the first dose. I have to wake up at 6 am and take the next one... I hope it works... I literally feel no urge. I didn’t think the taste of the first one was all that bad. I just drank it like I would tequila, didn’t breathe through my nose, and sucked a lemon after. It made the nausea go right away."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I'm a 29-year-old getting a colonoscopy done. I have had plenty of other preps to take, which was a lot to drink, never a pleasant taste. The Plenvu one is much less to drink, it tastes horrible. All I taste when I drink this is salt! Makes me gag and threw up after the first dose was done. The first one tastes like mango, the second dose tastes like fruit punch. I’m actually drinking the second dose now as I write this. It doesn’t get any better, the taste doesn’t linger around in your mouth. After taking the first dose, it started to work about an hour or two after. It took me about an hour to drink this! They need to come up with a pill that does the same job."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "As a gastric sleeve patient, this was a lot of drinking in an hour. The instructions call for drinking the first dose within 30 minutes, followed by 16 ounces of clear fluids within 30 minutes after that. Same for the second dose. The solution was pure salt. I had a hard time getting it down and was a little nauseated. Mango (salt) was the first flavor and fruit punch (salt) was the second flavor. I managed to get it down. This, in my experience, is not a quick prep. It took a couple of hours before it started to work and over many hours to be fully cleaned out. I was worried because I was still going to the restroom close to the time to shower to go to the hospital. I wouldn’t want to do this prep again. But I will say this: during my exam, the doctor noted excellent bowel preparation. It works, but very slow and tastes horrible, but it did the job."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "After reading some of these reviews, I was very worried about taking Plenvu, fully prepared to have the worst night of my life. Quite the opposite! The taste is really not bad at all. I took heed of the advice of others (use a straw and cold water), and it was totally fine. Bowel movements started within 30 minutes for me. Up and down to the bathroom, of course, but no pain, nausea, or other side effects. Super pain-free and straightforward. (Wet wipes helped!) I ate pretty lightly in the days leading up, which might've helped too. Good luck to everyone, you'll be fine :)"