
Colonoscopy prep tips

About this colonoscopy guide
This plan is meant to be a guide, not medical advice.
Please be sure to communicate with your health care provider about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbs, supplements, aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin), clopidogrel, insulin or iron products. Also share any information about allergies to any medicines including any type of anesthesia.
Most medications can be continued during the prep period, but some can interfere with either the bowel prep or the colonoscopy. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions for your medicines and/or allergies. Read them ahead of time! You may need to shop for supplies and laxatives and follow a special liquid diet for at least a day before the test.
** Note: All information based on guidance from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Cancer Society.
How to prepare for your colonoscopy
The preparation done before a colonoscopy is strict, but it’s strict for a reason. Good prep ensures your doctor will have a clear look at your colon, which leads to more accurate results.
Colonoscopy prep videos
Watch these videos featuring Brooks Bell, the Colonoscopy Enthusiast and young-onset CRC survivor, to help you prepare for your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy prep: Which one tastes the best?
Brooks tests four colonoscopy prep solutions and provides her take on which colonoscopy prep tastes best! Find out which prep—GoLYTELY, MiraLAX, SUPREP, or CLENPIQ—wins in this competition of colonoscopy prep taste.
What to get at the grocery store before a colonoscopy
Brooks goes shopping before a follow-up colonoscopy. What are some of the best things to buy at the grocery store when prepping for a colonoscopy? Brooks helps build your shopping list!
One trick for fasting before a colonoscopy
Brooks Bell is no stranger to colonoscopies. Today, she shares with you a trick she discovered to make fasting before a colonoscopy a little easier—a lot more delicious.
Looking for more colonoscopy prep information?
We have much more great information to help make this life-saving process as easy as possible.
What to expect during a colonoscopy
It may ease your nerves to know exactly what the doctors are doing back there.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
We'll break down the time it takes for each part of the colonoscopy process.
Are colonoscopies dangerous?
Colonoscopies are generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks.
What you need to know about sedation
You have a choice when it comes to colonoscopy sedation.
Shopping list for colonoscopy prep
Get a list of foods and other items you need to buy for your colonoscopy prep.
Colonoscopy prep tips from the community
Members of our community who have had a colonoscopy share their tips and tricks.
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