Colonoscopies can detect cancer in the intestines.
Colonoscopies are medical examinations performed to assess the interior parts of colons using a colonoscope. A colonoscope is medical equipment in form of a tube with lenses, light and camera that is used to scan the interior of the large intestine. Its aim is to diagnose cancer, ulcers abnormal growths and kidney failure. The procedure also is used to collect cells, remove sample tissue and growths. The Federal Drug Administration has issued warnings on the procedure.
Sodium Phosphate Warnings
Sodium phosphate kidney products are taken orally by patients to clean their bowels before they can undergo medical examinations such as colonoscopies. Among these products are Visicol and OsmoPrep, which can make kidney patients suffer from acute phosphate nephropathy, which refers to kidney damage or disease. Companies that manufacture these two products have been advised to evaluate risks posed by such medicines and to come up with measures to reduce these risks. In addition, these companies are required to formulate a guide to be used by kidney patients to understand the medical issues related to kidney injuries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has recommended that these companies carry out a post marketing clinical trial in order to evaluate the extent of the identified risks. For safety purposes, the FDA has warned that these products should not be taken by those under 18 years of age or in combination with laxatives composed of sodium phosphate. Caution should be taken by patients with kidney problems who are above 55 years of age.
An alternative to sodium phosphate products for colonoscopy is polyethylene glycol solutions, such as GoLytely and NuLytely. These solutions are not appropriate for those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Over the Counter Products Warnings
Some of the products used to clean the bowel for patients can be accessed over the counter in many pharmacies. These products are taken in very high doses in order to efficiently cleanse the bowel. At lower doses, they serve as laxatives. An example of such a product is Fleet Phospho-soda. These products however pose similar dangers as sodium phosphate products. Therefore it is recommended that these products not to be used at all during the colonoscopy procedure.
Warning on Droperidol
Droperidol is a medical product with sedative effects that is provided to patients undergoing colonoscopy procedures. According to reports cited by the FDA in 2001, droperidol can cause adverse cardiac events that may result in patient deaths. The FDA warns that this drug should be reserved only for patients who are not able to tolerate or respond to other standard medical sedatives.
Tags: that these, these products, Drug Administration, kidney patients, medical examinations
