Learn how to prepare for colon cancer screening during the week before your scheduled examination.
What Do I Need to Do The Week Before Colon Cancer Screening?
Approximately five to seven days prior to your colonoscopy, you will need to stop taking medications or vitamins that can interfere with the test. This may include:
- Medications or dietary supplements that contain iron, including multivitamins with iron
- Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and allergy medications
- Blood-thinner medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin
If you have a medical condition that requires the use of blood thinners, or if you have diabetes, ask your doctor for special instructions on when to stop taking your medications. Do not stop your prescription medications without having a plan in place from your doctor.
More Important Tips on How Not to Dread Colon Cancer Screening
Sources
American Cancer Society Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy. Accesed: January 29, 2009.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Frequent_Questions_About_Colonoscopy_and_Sigmoidoscopy.asp
Gastroenterology of the Rockies Colonoscopy Pep Talk. Accessed: January 29, 2009.
http://gastrorockies.org/English/Pep_Talk/What_Its_Like.html
WikiHealth How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy. Accessed: January 29, 2009.
http://www.wikihealth.com/How_to_prepare_for_a_colonoscopy
