So, on the 15th of June, the FDA (food and Drug Administration) approved a new osmotic laxative for colonoscopy preparations (NOTE: It seems that this will not be useful as a colon lavage prep for bowel surgery; it lacks the osmotic capabilities to completely clear the colon.)
But, there are two major advantages to this new Suflave prep. First of all, there is no need to imbibe a 3 to 4 liter bolus of the drug. Instead, one needs to drink about ½ a liter of the prep the night before, an additional 475 ml of water, and then a second dose (similar to the first) on the day of the colonoscopic procedure.
Moreover, this preparation tastes like a sports drink; it has a lemon lime flavor. The vendor is purportedly Sebela Pharmaceuticals, but that is not quite true. After all, Sebela is a wholly owned subsidiary of Braintree Labs, whic markets the conventional lavage prep, Golytely.
Golytely is isosmotic- so it just flows through the colon, clearing it of materials therein. Suflave operates via osmosis, drawing water into the bowel, reducing the stool consistency (making them loose and easily clearered rom the colon cavity.)
Besides the welcome flavoring, what is different between Golytely/Colyte and Suflave? As you can see from the ingredients, that are some major differences. Moreover, one must drink some 3 to 4 liters of the Golytely solution, as opposed to two ½ liter formulations of Suflave (with an intermittent 475 ml of water between the two).
But, I can bet a bunch of folks who need to undergo a colonoscopic examination are going to opt for the Suflave formultion. Both because of the lower volume and the flavoring.
Well, I hope I don’t need any kind of oxmotic laxatives anytime soon, but if I do, I know what to look for. Thank you for sharing.
Forwarned is forearmed, Tamara!
Less is great! That definitely impacts everyone’s desire to do what they know is good for them!
I’m with you, Cindy Rae
That would be a welcome development. But I am always still leery of that “sports drink” talk until I actually taste it. I tried a different one for my last test and it was just as miserable to drink LOL
LEt me know if you liek the citrus flavor, Dominique
This sounds great! I hope it’s offered here, I usually float away drinking the old way. LOL Might they come up with a clear berry flavor?
I don’t think berry holds out against the saline mixture, Martha
Some very helpful tips to choose the right way to prep the bowel .
Right on, Dr. A!
Yes, I would definitely prefer a better flavor. But also less to drink. I have to had to drink Golytely twice and hated the experience both times.
You are not the only one to detest the “non-flavor” of Colyte or Golytely, Jeanine.
This sounds great on the surface but I wonder: first, cost (especially on Medicare Part D plans) which actually came up as an issue for me on my colonoscopy prep last year and second, if the Suflave will work if you have mild enough kidney impairments where Golytely is considered safe to use?
Yes, there are more restrictions of Suflave than on Golytely, Alana. Nice cavaeat/