The Colon Club

I am due for a colonocopy in late October. I have requested a prescription for Prepopik, the new colon prep drug that has just been approved by the FDA here in the U.S (it is supposed to be available on October 2). My doctor's assistant was very reluctant and keeps trying to steer me to use Golytely which isn't going to happen. In the past, I have tossed that prescription and gone with 2 days of liquid diet, lots of ducolax tablets and 2 bottles of mag citrate with 1/2 gallon of clear liquids the night before. So far, its worked for the 2 colonocopies I have had even though the doctor was happy about it.

I want to try the Prepopik because it only requires drinking 10 oz of the drug followed by 64 oz. of other clear liquids. I wanted to know from the Canadian folks if this stuff works well and if you have any suggestions in using it. Also, how does it taste and what is the texture like? If the taste or texture is nasty, I can't keep it down. It comes back up as fast as I can swallow it. I have trouble with the mag citrate, but if I can chase it with something else to cover the taste, I can usually keep most of it down. If I can go to something that is only 10 oz, I think it will be a lot easier.

I've used Pico-Salax (same ingredients - picosulfate and magnesium oxide, and citric acid) and it's great. I did my prep the day before. So drink the mix in the am and follow it up with a litre of clear liquids. I can tell you, you might as well sit on the toilet while you're drinking! Bring a book. It's not a painful prep at all and it's predictable. Drink and poo.

You'll do the same thing around dinner time and you'll notice that you're drinking and the same colour is coming out. You're done!

Some surgeons do only 1 pouch, others do 2. I was squeaky clean after 2!

In Canada, it is marketed under the name Pico Salax. It comes as two envelopes that you mix with water and drink quickly. You want to drink it ASAP as it becomes quite warm due to a chemical reaction. Nasty when warm. I think this prep is easier to handle than Golytely. I had to take Dulcolax with this prep.
Usually, our American friends get the good drugs first so I'm not sure why it has taken so long for it to be released in the US. I think I remember Bev contacting the company to get answers. I have sent Pico Salax via mail to friends in this club. Glad to hear that it is finally being released.
My son had to go for colonoscopy and was given this prep. Well the scope was moved up and they asked him to use Colyte ( Canadian name for Golytely ) he really complained and said it was difficult to drink and hard to keep down.

Good luck.

Is it over the counter in Canada or do you need a prescription? If it is OTC, maybe I won't hassle with a prescription from my doctor and just order some from a pharmacy on Canada.

OTC. My drug plan doesn't cover it even when my doc writes a script so i just buy it. It's great, and there is a generic version that may be cheaper, so be sure to ask.

3 packets does the trick.

Prepopik (Pico Salax) is so much easier to deal with than GoLytely or HalfLytely - much less volume to consume and no awful taste.

I used it last year and plan to use it again when needed and will never use the Lytlely product again!

It is OTC in Canada, but beware - some of the online Canadian firms advertising it don't actually have it and just use the ad to get your phone number so they can cold call you a zillion times to try and sell you other products.

Since Pico Salax has been used so many years in Canada and elsewhere I bet you could find studies attesting to its effectiveness. I don't know why they would hesitate to prescribe it for you - just lack of experience I guess.

If I were you, I would definitely insist on it!

-Bill

I've used pico Salex and Kleen Prep. The thought about Kleen Prep makes my stomach turn. I won't use it again. Next time, I will use the Pico Salex. It really isn't too bad. It has a citrus type taste and goes down easily. I was told to use it in combination with a laxative. If you go with the Pico Salex, note that you're not supposed to eat certain foods like salad up to three days before. You'll need to keep your diet pretty light for a few days leading up to the procedure.

Thanks everyone. I found a pharmacy in Canada and just placed an order. My GI's nurse balked at prescribing it because they haven't used it before and I'm not gonna beg her for a prescription, especially if I can get the same stuff from Canada. My husband is scheduled for his forst over 50 colonoscopy 2 weeks prior to mine, so I ordered a box for him as well. Has anyone done this NOT as a split prep? My doctor doesn't want a split prep, so I have to take it all the night before. Just not sure about the timing. If this one comes up clear of polyps (as the one last November did), my GI said I can go 3 years until the next one (yeah!).

Thanks!

If you don't mind, what's the web address of the pharmacy you found?

Canadamedicinecompany.com. It was about $20 per box plus $18 and some change for shipping

kims wrote:Canadamedicinecompany.com. It was about $20 per box plus $18 and some change for shipping

It's about $20 per box (2 packs enclosed) at Shopper's Drug Mart. And, if you time things right you can buy it on 20X the points day, woo!

disco nap wrote:It's about $20 per box (2 packs enclosed) at Shopper's Drug Mart.

Bummer ... I have to pay $25 out here .... guess there is more...ummm cleansing going on in the heartland, so you guys get a discount

CRguy wrote:

disco nap wrote:It's about $20 per box (2 packs enclosed) at Shopper's Drug Mart.

Bummer ... I have to pay $25 out here .... guess there is more...ummm cleansing going on in the heartland, so you guys get a discount

Well yeah but last I heard you guys get shoppers optimum points on prescriptions so...it all comes out in the wash!

disco nap wrote:Well yeah but last I heard you guys get shoppers optimum points on prescriptions so...it all comes out in the wash!

we DO...
and yes, actually ......yes it does !!!!!!!

I am having a colonoscopy on Thursday, I requested a prescription of Prepopik..My husband called to check on prescription and was told by phone (automated) @ Walgreens that the cost for the Prepopik was $220.00! I guess my insurance wouldn't cover it? Is this a normal price for this..Does anyone know who the maker is of Prepopik?
Thanking you in advance for any help or info you can offer..
Cindyb248