Polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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!!"

• Cai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "This is my third time downing this GoLYTELY in my adult life. Twice for severe, chronic constipation via ER, and today for the GI doctor before my colonoscopy. I have tried it with sodas and Gatorade, but I can always taste the salty bitterness beneath it. This time I am chasing it down with peppermint tea, as that is a natural stomach calmer and anti-bloat. Ask your doctor if you can have anti-nausea medication alongside the prep, and do what makes you the most comfortable otherwise. Ice chips, pajamas, a bath, laying in bed with your favorite show on under your favorite blanket, a cold cloth for any potential sweating, a towel or vomit bag just in case. If you puke, take a short break before continuing. You're gonna be alright by morning, I promise. It will get the job done, even if it tastes bad or makes you cramp up."

• 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."

• JSB...
• October 6, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I’m a very nervous patient, and I was dreading the bowel prep after reading other reports here, but it’s been fine so far, comparatively speaking. Prescribed split dose - started at 7 pm, finished first liter at 8:30 pm and the action has just started at 8:45 pm. Chilled after mixing, then took it in four stages about 25 minutes apart. Using a straw is a good idea, as is a chaser (apple Lucozade worked pretty well) but I didn’t find the taste anything like as bad as expected - sweet and intense lemon flavor, a little salty. Slightly thicker than normal water but not disgusting. Some gurgling after an hour, and mild cramps, but no nausea or chills, and no sudden rush to the loo - I knew it was coming! No explosions either - just a steady dribble every 10 minutes or so. I stayed off solids for 36 hours before and followed dietary instructions carefully two days before that - which may have helped. Nothing to fear, I’d say. We’ll see what happens with the second liter in the morning... good luck all."

• 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."

• Kni...
• February 2, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "It's a lot to drink, but you can do it. I used a straw and just chugged it down. I did use the lemon flavoring packet. It really didn't taste too bad. My suggestion is that when you first feel an urge to go... go! This stuff works. My doctor had me take 8 oz every 30 minutes, after the first two doses, it started working. I spent the rest of the day on or near the toilet. An hour after my last dose, I was done. I did not have any cramping, nausea, or vomiting. Overall, not a pleasant experience, but this liquid is not too bad."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "My appointment was at 4 pm, so I started the first packet around 7 pm the day before. It was bearable but not the best taste. By the end of the first liter, I had really had enough and felt quite sick. I didn't even get through the last bit before I needed the toilet. After the first half hour of bowel movements, I had serious cramps in my stomach and doubled over in pain. This lasted for around an hour, then trips to the toilet started again, which almost instantly stopped the cramps. I was awake most of the night due to going to the toilet. I have now started the 2nd dose at 7 am. Just want this all over now. Really hope I don't get more cramps."

• Jf8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "I have suffered with severe constipation for years, and I use 2 tbsp GaviLyte-G in 16 oz of water twice a day (both glasses at night a few hours apart), and I go regularly now. It has helped me so much! No cramping, a little gassy, but doesn’t hurt. This stuff is a lifesaver!"

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Let me start off with the taste. It wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either. The first half went down fine. It worked almost immediately for me, about a half hour, then the faucet was opened full flow. No bad cramping, no bloating. My doctor wanted me to split the dose, and that is when the problem of drinking it down got to my head. I guess the taste wasn't what my body was craving for at 3 a.m. I was about to give up drinking it all, but found my way. I remembered my daughter's Capri Sun drinks were clear and sugary. I'd take a sip of that before I guzzled the GaviLyte, then a large sip afterward worked. Now off to get scoped, yay!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I had the 2-day, 2-liter-a-day instructions. I weigh 120 lbs. Maybe I shouldn’t have drunk most of it. I didn’t get that instruction to stop when discharge was clear. Halfway through the second 2 liters, I started to have constant cramping pain across my stomach and back. By the time I dragged myself to the office, they made the decision to take me by wheelchair to the Emergency Room. I was admitted and given morphine. Some of my labs were slightly elevated, but all in all, I am healthy. It really was a horrible experience and embarrassing. I was an idiot in the doctor's office with all the moaning. AND they had me wait over 10 minutes before someone saw me. I’m wondering if someone had the same reaction."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "It doesn’t have a nice taste - the first couple of glasses, it’s okay, then it becomes disgusting. I’m not sure exactly what it is that makes it so, but I found it tolerable if I quickly sipped some Lucozade after chugging a couple of mouthfuls. After the first dose, I felt bloated with water, some mild cramping, and a tummy ache. Started the first dose at 5 pm and finished by 7 pm. So I had an hour's rest in between and drank some apple juice. Lots of bubbles in my tummy. Started the second dose at 8 pm, started pooping at 08:41 pm. It’s so gross, water coming out your butthole is just not right, but needs must. It’s now 23:35, and a bowel movement still occurs now and then. I was really worried about this prep, but all in all, it’s not too bad at all. Is it pleasant? No. But I don’t feel sick, cramps were mild and short, and the bowel movements are not explosive. It’s been gentle on my system. I put Vaseline outside and inside my posterior, and I’m not sore. Good luck!"

• spl...
• March 25, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "The first taste of the orange MoviPrep hit my lips at 4 pm sharp, finished the liter in approx 50 mins... 10 mins later... 'action stations'! Exactly 1 hour to start doing its thing. A few slight cramps, but all in all pretty good. Not looking forward to the next session, though... I feel empty already. Wondering if I really need the second dose. Anyhow, best to be safe, as I really don't want to do this again for another 5 years minimum! 1 liter of salty-sweet-thick-watery stuff. I can do this, especially if washing down with a nice cold beer (or 4). Got to be happy with that."

• 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."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Well... I am a very anxious person who can’t deal with anything without going into panic mode, but in all honesty, apart from it being unpleasant and spending five hours on the toilet, it wasn’t that bad! I don’t think it tasted that bad either, not something I’d buy for a regular drink, ha ha, but overall, I didn’t find drinking it difficult. Bowel movements didn’t start till about 2 hours after drinking it, but when they did start, it wasn’t the explosive experience I thought it would have been. And apart from causing me to get piles, I didn’t feel unwell or get bad cramps or anything. I did a lot of worrying for nothing. Now for the colonoscopy!"

• Mov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2013

For Bowel Preparation "Pros: Cleans out colon well without pain, cramping. Cons: Cost, taste. Best colonoscopy prep I've ever taken. The taste isn't great, but then what prep is? Follow the tips others have posted, and drinking the MoviPrep will be easier. I'd use this again."

• j v...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "I began the first prep at 6 pm. I mixed it with ice-cold water and lemon Crystal Light. Not too bad. I finished the first prep within the allotted one hour. The worst part was cramping, bloating, and chills. Everything that came out was solid waste. I began the second prep at 2 am. This one took almost three hours to finish (drained). But everything that came out was mostly water-based. Also, no cramping, bloating, or chills. The colonoscopy was a total breeze. My gastro called me a lovely patient. The key, I believe, is to have as little undigested food in your GI tract as possible prior to the prep, which is where fasting for at least one day comes into play. (Worked for me)"

• gij...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I'm 19 years old, and this is my second time doing this. First time, I had the lemon, but the orange tastes a bit better. I'm now into my morning dose, but I just can't hold it in anymore. I gag after every sip, starting to feel dizzy again, my cheek is cramping up, and I can't even take the smell anymore... If they ever start producing this in pill form, I'll be the happiest man alive."

• Liq...
• September 7, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Prepping for a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. First batch down. Actually tastes like Murphy's Oil Soap. Been an hour and fifteen minutes so far... Haven't been to the loo as of yet. Okay, wait a minute... Better go now. Yeah, the river is flowing. No cramps, though. This stuff is no joke. I hope this isn't too graphic. I just hope that the colonoscopy is as easy."

• Yog...
• June 5, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I am a 50-year-old RN, took this prior to the first colonoscopy. I found this much easier than expected. It doesn't taste great, but I recommend you use a big straw to drink-so much faster to get down, and you don't really taste it. I plugged my nose, drank it, and then took a sip of Gatorade, which eliminated any taste of MoviPrep. No cramping experienced."

• Phi...
• June 1, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "Three times in six months prepping for a colonoscopy. First was SuPrep, second was Plenvu, third was GaviLyte-G. The GaviLyte was smoothest by far, easiest to drink, and most effective in my case. I added the included lemon flavor packet, and also had some hard lemon candies to help improve the taste when drinking. Four liters total, yes that seems like a ton. I drank half the night before, the other half the morning of the procedure. Slept fine, surprisingly. Some bloated feeling, but minimal cramps and no urges to vomit. Overall, not bad at all. In my experience, GaviLyte > SuPrep > Plenvu."