Frequently asked questions about procedure prep
Prep
What if I don’t have my prep or haven’t received it?
Your prep was sent to your pharmacy of choice on the day you scheduled your procedure. Please check with your pharmacy first. If they have not received the order, call our office to request that your prep be resent.
I don’t like the prep I was prescribed. Are there other options? How do I get them?
We send in the prep that is covered by your insurance company. Other preps are available, but you may have an out-of-pocket cost. Please call our office to discuss.
Do I need to mix anything with my prep? What can I mix with my prep? Can I add anything to my prep?
Please follow the instruction letter you received from your provider. Do not follow the instructions on your prep container.
- Suprep: Pour the bottle of Suprep liquid into the provided mixing container and fill to the line with cool water.
- Suflave: Open one flavor-enhancing packet and pour contents into one bottle. Fill the provided bottle with lukewarm water up to the fill line.
- Clenpiq: Do not add anything additional to the prep.
- Gavilyte: Mix with 128 ounces of electrolyte solution (such as Gatorade, BodyArmor or Smartwater).
- Golytely: Mix with 135 ounces of lukewarm water.
What are the small pills I received with my prep?
If you received two small pills, they are anti-nausea medication to take 30 minutes before each dose of prep to help calm your stomach. They are optional and not included with every prep.
Where do I find my instructions on how to take the prep?
Your instructions can often be found in the Letters section of MyChart. You can also visit the colonoscopy section of our website - look to the left side navigation for instructions for each prep type.
The instructions I received from my provider do not match the instructions on my prep container. Which should I follow?
Please follow the instructions from your provider. Do not follow the instructions on your prep container.
Diet
What if I ate seeds, nuts, granola or corn the week before?
This is only a recommendation to avoid and will not delay your procedure. Please try to avoid these foods during the week before, if possible.
- Corn: Corn chips and corn tortillas are fine to consume.
What if I ate breakfast the day before my colonoscopy?
Please do not eat anything further. Call our office immediately to discuss what you ate and whether you need to be rescheduled.
Medications
What if I didn’t stop my over-the-counter medications the week before?
Please call our office to discuss.
What do I do with my prescription medications?
Please contact your prescribing provider. Our office may not be fully aware of why you are taking that medication. Your prescribing provider will know best how to manage it before a procedure.
Scheduling
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please contact our office as soon as you know you will be unable to make your appointment. We request a minimum of one week’s notice.
