MEDICATION
7 DAYS BEFORE PROCEDURE
Some medications can interfere with your procedure, so it's very important to stop taking them AN ENTIRE WEEK before your appointment.
Diabetes Medications
If you have diabetes bring your blood sugar meter and test strips to the clinic the day of your colonoscopy. Also, bring with you juice or blood sugar tablets in the event that you experience very low blood sugar.
If you take diabetes medications your doctor may instruct you to do the following:
1. STOP METFORMIN
Stop taking metformin 48 hours before and after your colonoscopy.
2. STOP SHORT-ACTING INSULIN
Stop taking short-acting insulin the morning of your colonoscopy.
3. TAKE ONLY HALF DOSE OF LONG-ACTING INSULIN
Take only half of your usual dose of long-acting insulin the morning of your colonoscopy.
4. BRING ALL YOUR MEDICATIONS WITH YOU
Bring all your diabetes medications with you to the clinic so that you can start taking them after your test, if your doctor instructs you to do so.
5. DON’T DOUBLE-UP
Do not double up on any of your diabetes medications right after your colonoscopy.
These guidelines are general guidelines. It is best that you check with your doctor the week before your colonoscopy to make sure you receive exact instructions on how to manage your diabetes medications the day before and the morning of your procedure.
Iron Supplements
Stop taking Iron supplements seven days before your colonoscopy. Iron supplementation can cause your stool to turn dark, making it difficult for your doctor to visualize your colon.
Vitamin E, Aspirin, Acetaminophin (Tylenol)
It is important to stop taking vitamin E, Aspirin, and other over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), because they can also thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding.
Blood Thinners
PLAVIX, COUMADIN (WARFARIN), LOVENOX
Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants slow blood clotting and can be dangerous to take before your colonoscopy in the event the doctor must remove one or more polyps or take any action that increases the risk for bleeding. Contact the doctor who prescribed the medication for instructions on whether they should be stopped prior to the procedure.
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements can cause fiber residue to be left behind in the colon. This makes it difficult for your doctor to clearly visualize your colon.
Herbal Medications
Herbal medications can interact with medications given to you during anesthesia, and can also increase the risk of bleeding.
Multivitamins
Stop taking multivitamins seven days before your colonoscopy because most multivitamins contain iron.
Fish Oil
Stop taking fish oil supplements at least two days before your colonoscopy.
Other Medications
Other medications are OK to take in small amounts and won't affect your procedure.