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Plenvu User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Plenvu has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 465 reviews on Drugs.com. 38% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Plenvu

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • MVa...
  • November 22, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This med tastes nasty, but I was able to finish both the doses. After my 1st dose at 5:30 pm, colon cleansing started in 30 mins and lasted for 3 hours for every 5-10 mins. I took my 2nd dose at 2:30 am, cleansing lasted for about 4 hours, for every 3-5 mins. The best way to drink this is to use a straw and flush it with apple juice after every sip. Though the med description says you can't have it with anything, the nurse told me it is totally fine to drink it with clear juice or clear Gatorade. I was able to finish both the doses in 10 mins. I had 20 oz of water after finishing the med and apple juice. After the 2nd dose, I had the yellow watery bowel movement for 4 hours. I also had a terrible headache after the 2nd dose and chills with both doses, which went away once the med got out of my system. The procedure went well, and the doc was able to see the colon clearly. This med is doable with apple juice, which flushes away the bitter aftertaste."

8 / 10
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  • Rma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 6, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I need a yearly colonoscopy because of a high-risk malignant polyp found in 2015. So I have had several different preps. Plenvu is the worst. The first packet was sickeningly sweet and very salty. I followed all directions. The second packet was just as bad. About 30 minutes into drinking the second packet, I vomited, while bowel was evacuating. Unbelievably terrible experience. Nothing good to say about this prep."

2 / 10
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22 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Sue...
  • November 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I have had several colonoscopies, so never look forward to the prep. I followed some other suggestions, which is to drink lots of water well before you start the prep. Also, make sure contents are dissolved before drinking; taste was better than most. The first round was easy to get down, followed by water, but the second round is the toughest, trying to keep it down, so took 1-2 sips; waited for gag reflex to stop; rinsed mouth with water; wait and then repeat. Taste wasn’t that bad and got it all down with no issues, but was up most of the night running to the bathroom. Definitely works and was one of the better preps that I’ve had. Tons of water/hydration is the secret and take your time drinking the solution."

9 / 10
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  • WmL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 7, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I've had several colonoscopies over the past several years. Plenvu for me was probably the easiest to drink. Not great tasting, but just 16 ounces taken twice - followed by Gatorade. I started at about 5 pm with the first dose and the second around 8 pm. It was supposed to be at 7, but I couldn't get off the toilet. It's currently almost 12:30 am, and I'm finally getting a break, but I wonder how much longer it will last. Judging by what I see in the toilet when I flush, it seems very effective. Pretty much just slightly yellow-tinted water. Hopefully, I'm done and can get some sleep now."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • Kfo...
  • December 23, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This was my first colonoscopy, and I will admit that after reading some of these reviews, I was worried, but overall, I had a good experience with Plenvu. I followed the exact instructions that my doctor gave me for prep. The taste was not too bad. Dose two was harder for me than dose one, and I did feel a bit nauseous, but it passed. It worked great, and I had no abdominal cramps or pain. I took my first dose at 4 pm and the second at 8 pm for an 8:40 am colonoscopy the following day. I did not eat any food at all the day before the procedure and just drank the clear liquids suggested. I would recommend this prep. I am going to ask for some anti-nausea medication next time, but will request Plenvu again for my prep."

10 / 10
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  • 6th...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2024

For Bowel Preparation "I’m 72 and this was my 6th colonoscopy in the last 25 years. Don’t ask. I am also a T2 diabetic. To cut to the chase, this was my best experience with bowel prep. I’ve tried them all and this was the easiest to take and provided excellent results. The kit includes a pre-measured mixing cup for the powder plus water. I’ve learned not to expect a delicious concoction from any prep, but with a lower volume of liquid the taste was tolerable. I drank the mixture within 10 minutes and followed it up with 16 oz of water as directed. Had more water to drink along the way. Within an hour the prep started working and continued for about 3 hours. Slept about 5-6 hours and took the second dose, which was similar to the first. For me there were no side effects. No nausea, no vomiting, no headaches, all good. Compared to older prep regimens, including truly vile liquids, or 16 pills, this was a piece of cake. Definitely more expensive, but worth the price of a less taxing experience."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 11, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Dose 1 of Plenvu was started around 5 pm. Mixed with 16 oz of water, you have approximately 30 minutes to finish the dose. You will need it! This stuff is thick, and the taste is undesirable. I choked it down within the 30 minutes and was nauseated for about 2 hours. It took about 45 minutes for the first bowel movement, and the abdominal pain during that time was excruciating. On the plus side, it cleared me out well. Once you start, stay near a bathroom because you will certainly be using it. Dose 2 consisted of the last 2 dose packs with another 16 oz of water. Still hard to choke down, and lots of nausea. The moral of the story is that it tastes awful, causes abdominal pain and nausea, but it does what it is supposed to."

7 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • Big...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Took this stuff, Plenvu, for colonoscopy. It is without a doubt the worst tasting bowel prep treatment I have ever had (I have had 3 colonoscopies). The combination of sweet and salty is awful, and even after the colonoscopy is over, I almost get sick every time I think about it. I have a pretty tough stomach, but this stuff will make you nauseous. It is ridiculous that bowel prep medications are so foul tasting. Ask for something else."

3 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • FDa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 6, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Taking the Plenvu was a terrible experience for my daughter. It tasted of salt and almost other things, just awful. The drink made my daughter retch, and after the 2nd dose, she was violently sick. There were no bowel movements whatsoever, and therefore the procedure will have to be canceled. Thank you to this page, as it was very helpful while going through the problems last night."

2 / 10
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  • 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."

6 / 10
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  • 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!!"

1 / 10
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  • Har...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I followed the instructions exactly as prescribed, as well as switched to a low-fiber diet, avoided foods on the do not eat list (nuts, fruits with seeds/skins, legumes, etc.). The day before I had a breakfast of 2 boiled eggs and a potato roll with a little soy butter. After that, it was nothing but clear liquids. I took my first prep dose and within an hour, it seemed to be working. I took the 2nd dose, and this one almost made me vomit as I felt faint. I had nothing to drink after my 2nd dose and still did not have a successful colonoscopy. I now have to go back for a second one in a few weeks... aaaggghhhhh!!!"

4 / 10
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  • sti...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 25, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I had my second colonoscopy today at 1:30 p.m. I did my first round of the Plenvu prep at 5 p.m. yesterday and the second round at 7 a.m. today. It tastes disgusting, and I wish I had listened to everyone’s advice about using a straw, sipping something other than water in between gulps, etc. The prep worked, and I had my procedure. But it’s 10:30 p.m....9 hours after my procedure...and the prep is STILL WORKING!!! I’m still stuck on the toilet."

6 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Els...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "This was the worst thing I have ever experienced. I took the first dose at 6 pm, nothing started happening until 10 pm, and I then spent the whole night on the toilet. No sleep whatsoever. I was shivery and dizzy and felt quite unwell. The second dose was taken at 6 am, I promptly threw up most of this, which the nurse told me was quite common. The Plenvu is by far the nastiest thing I have ever tasted. I did not feel as if I was completely empty, and this was confirmed at the hospital."

2 / 10
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  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • 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."

5 / 10
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