Home Blog Resources Tests & Scans Risk of Kidney Problems After Colonoscopy Risk of Kidney Problems After Colonoscopy September 4, 2022 • By Fight CRC Tests & Scans Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via Email Before a colonoscopy, it is critical to completely empty all stools from the colon, but some patients have experienced a rare, but dangerous issue with kidney problems after colonoscopy prep. Colonoscopy Prep In addition to a clear liquid diet, two approaches are used most often: A polymer-based laxative with polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG), which is a powder that is dissolved in two to four quarts of liquid. PEG preps include GoLytely®, Nulytely®, Halflytely®, and Miralax®.A saline-based laxative with sodium phosphate (NaP) which is available as a liquid (Fleet Phospho-Soda®) or pill (Visicol® and OsmoPrep®). Patient acceptance, side effects, and the ability to complete the prep vary, but most studies show little difference in how completely the colon is cleansed. Warnings for Kidney Problems After Colonoscopy Prep However, there has been a concern when some patients experienced a rare, but dangerous kidney problem after colonoscopy preparation with sodium phosphate. In March 2006, the FDA alerted doctors about kidney failure from acute phosphate nephropathy associated with the use of both liquid and pills containing sodium phosphate. This has worried both doctors and patients as they chose a colonoscopy prep. Since then, the FDA has asked the manufacturer of Visicol® and OsmoPrep®, Salix Pharmaceuticals, to add a boxed warning to these products. However, in a study of patients having a colonoscopy in the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, no difference in the risk of kidney problems with either PEG or sodium phosphate preps was found among patients who didn't already have pre-existing kidney disease. 7,897 patients had a colonoscopy during the time reviewed, 6,833 of them using a sodium phosphate prep. In the year before their colonoscopy,1,617 patients had known renal problems. Another 3,928 had no testing in the 12 months before or 6 months after their procedure. Among the remaining 2,352 people for whom there was information about kidney functioning, 88 had a kidney problem after colonoscopy. These patients were about equally distributed between the PEG and the sodium phosphate groups. Risk Factors for Kidney Problems Were: Age over 65African-American raceLow baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which measures potential kidney failureHypertensionUse of certain medications including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-renin blockers, and thiazide diuretics Stefan Russman MD and his team concluded, in patients without preexisting renal disease, the risk of renal impairment after colonoscopy appears to be similar between sodium phosphate and PEG users. However, they warned that Sodium Phosphate use in patients with preexisting renal disease is not recommended, but common in clinical practice. Sodium phosphate should not be used in patients with preexisting serious renal disease, adequate hydration should be assured in all patients, and renal function should be monitored before and after colonoscopy in those at risk of renal dysfunction.SOURCE: Russman et al, American Journal of Gastroenterology, Early Online Articles, October 26, 2007. What This Means For Patients If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, you need to discuss your medical history and the drugs you are taking with the doctor who will be performing the test. Tests for adequate kidney function before the colonoscopy are probably important. If you don't have kidney or heart problems and are younger than 65, there is probably no difference in safety between large volume PEG gastric lavage colonoscopy preps and lower-volume sodium phosphate liquids or pills. You can make a choice that meets your personal needs. Adequate hydration -- replacing liquid lost during the copious liquid bowel movements -- is critical no matter what prep you use. 22 thoughts on “Risk of Kidney Problems After Colonoscopy” Hi, I was scheduled to have a colonoscopy today. This is my second one since December 22-due to high grade dysplasia- polyps. The first prep- I did was the gal drink- I had a horrible reaction- swelled up like I was nine months pregnant- vomited and dry heaved for hours. Had the colonoscopy the next morning- I asked the nurse why it affected me that way- her reply was- “some people have a more of a reaction to sodium in the prep, that all” so for this prep I opted for the pill form thinking it would not be as bad as an experience for me! It was the worst experience! My back felt like it was being cut in half, I had contraction like spasms, the back of my calf’s killed me and I could barely see along with vomiting and dry heaving for several hours- I was unable to and frankly scared to take the second dose of the prep- my husband called the Gi doctor – who did not seem concerned and offered for me to pick up a different bowel prep in order to make my afternoon appt. realizing later they were out and rescheduled my appt- I feel like I have been hit by a bus, habe a terrible headache and eye pain with low grade fever! I do not have any know kidney disease. I’m a 5’10 157 lb relatively heathy 51 year old female- I have no idea why my body reacted this way- I still need to have my follow up appt to make sure no more growths- but to be honest- I can’t fathom going through this again! Hi DeAnna, Please talk with your GI. We totally understand your hesitation to go through the prep again, but please have a frank conversation about your reactions to see if you can find a prep that you can successfully manage. There are many different preps out there. When you speak with your GI, be sure to outline what didn’t work and ask what other options are available. As patients we have to advocate for ourselves and sometimes push back so that we’re able to get the screenings and tests we need. Please check back and let us know where you landed. It’s also good for other people to know that there are prep options. My dad in his 70s, very healthy and active, had totally loss of kidneys after a colonoscopy and no one would admit or explain why. Ever since it was a medical question always asked but we had no answers that were shared with us. Most acted like it couldn’t even possibly happen BUT it did. He ended up on dialysis and though he didn’t let it stop him from living it did take its toll on him and his quality of life. My dad had a stable high 3a just a few weeks before at home prep. He crashed so hard he ended in the hospital for several days in which time they gave him more prep, because at home prep didn’t work. After many bags of potassium and recovered cognition over a few days, he was able to go home. Now high stage 4 of ckd immediately following prep and horrible bloodwork numbers that were stable. Don’t do it unless absolutely necessary. My 76 year old mother had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago. Results for any concerns were all negative. But she has had abdominal pain and diarrhea since the colonoscopy was done. Going on week 3 now. She has stage 1 kidney disease and this point I really don’t know if it was safe for her to have it done. Doctors don’t know what is causing this. They are finally collecting stool samples and on antibiotics to control this. Just a heads up to discuss all medical history with doctors before colonoscopy. Hi Priscilla, Thank you so much for your comment. We wish your mom good health, and thank you for the heads up about discussing all medical history with doctors. It is so important for our medical providers to have up-to-date through medical histories so they can guide their patients through screenings and procedures. Will the pain in kidney go away ?? Hi Becky, Please check in with your health care team, since they are best equipped to answer your question and can give you advice on how to alleviate your kidney pain. I’m on dialysis, is it safe for me to use Clenpiq as the prep for my upcoming colonoscopy. Hi Rick, We are not able to provide medical advice. Please be sure to check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to use Clenpiq as the prep for your upcoming colonoscopy. I got GI infection in my lower abdomen after a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy was not required for me at my age. Hi Gaurav, Thank you for your comment. Can you tell us more? Did your doctor tell you why or how the GI infection in your lower abdomen happened after your colonoscopy. Were you having signs and symptoms and is that why a colonoscopy was performed on you? (You mentioned colonoscopy was not required for you at your age.) We know screening saves lives. We are really sorry to hear about your GI infection after your colonoscopy. I experienced the worst UTI of my life after routine colonoscopy. Hi Julieann, Was your doctor able to tell you why you had the worst UTI of your life following your colonoscopy? We’re sorry to hear you had it. We hope it cleared up quickly because we know how painful they are. Glad you were able to complete your routine colonoscopy. Screening saves lives. Thank you for your comment! I only have one kidney GFR if 30. Will it hurt my kidney function when I get colonoscopy? Sharon, that is a great question, and unfortunately, we are unable to give medical advice. Can you please check in with your medical team. They know you best, and they can guide you. Also, keep in mind that as long as you don’t have signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, family or personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, family history of genetic syndrome linked to colorectal cancer, or previous radiation of the abdomen or pelvic area an at home test may be an option for you. Again, be sure to check in and ask your medical team your question. They know your health history and can best answer your question. Thanks for your comment! Any correlation between Clenpiq and kidney stones? I did bowel prep on a Monday for a Tuesday scope. Ended up in the ER Friday eve w bilateral stones. No issues of stones prior. Hi Kelley, We’re glad you had your colonoscopy! But sorry to hear you had kidney stones. We don’t know of a correlation between Clenpiq and kidney stones, and we’re posting your comment to see if anyone comments that they have had the same issue as you. Clenpiq has a “Contact Us” section on their website: https://www.clenpiq.com/ We would love if you followup to let us know what you learn. Thank you for your comment. We’re so happy you’ve had your colonoscopy, but we’re sorry you developed kidney stones. I just used cleniq prep for a colonoscopy before prep in October my kidney value was 88 and as of Dec 8th 1 day after using prep my kidney value is 60.will my kidney value regulate or decline? Hi Venus, We are so glad you had your colonoscopy, but please check in with your doctor with medical questions. Your doctor knows your health history and is better equipped to answer your question than we are. Sending positive thoughts that all is well. I just had a colonoscopy and this is my third one but im noticing my kidneys hurt on both side Hi, John. Please contact your doctor to discuss the concerns you have about your kidney pain. Comments are closed.
Hi, I was scheduled to have a colonoscopy today. This is my second one since December 22-due to high grade dysplasia- polyps. The first prep- I did was the gal drink- I had a horrible reaction- swelled up like I was nine months pregnant- vomited and dry heaved for hours. Had the colonoscopy the next morning- I asked the nurse why it affected me that way- her reply was- “some people have a more of a reaction to sodium in the prep, that all” so for this prep I opted for the pill form thinking it would not be as bad as an experience for me! It was the worst experience! My back felt like it was being cut in half, I had contraction like spasms, the back of my calf’s killed me and I could barely see along with vomiting and dry heaving for several hours- I was unable to and frankly scared to take the second dose of the prep- my husband called the Gi doctor – who did not seem concerned and offered for me to pick up a different bowel prep in order to make my afternoon appt. realizing later they were out and rescheduled my appt- I feel like I have been hit by a bus, habe a terrible headache and eye pain with low grade fever! I do not have any know kidney disease. I’m a 5’10 157 lb relatively heathy 51 year old female- I have no idea why my body reacted this way- I still need to have my follow up appt to make sure no more growths- but to be honest- I can’t fathom going through this again!
Hi DeAnna, Please talk with your GI. We totally understand your hesitation to go through the prep again, but please have a frank conversation about your reactions to see if you can find a prep that you can successfully manage. There are many different preps out there. When you speak with your GI, be sure to outline what didn’t work and ask what other options are available. As patients we have to advocate for ourselves and sometimes push back so that we’re able to get the screenings and tests we need. Please check back and let us know where you landed. It’s also good for other people to know that there are prep options.
My dad in his 70s, very healthy and active, had totally loss of kidneys after a colonoscopy and no one would admit or explain why. Ever since it was a medical question always asked but we had no answers that were shared with us. Most acted like it couldn’t even possibly happen BUT it did. He ended up on dialysis and though he didn’t let it stop him from living it did take its toll on him and his quality of life.
My dad had a stable high 3a just a few weeks before at home prep. He crashed so hard he ended in the hospital for several days in which time they gave him more prep, because at home prep didn’t work. After many bags of potassium and recovered cognition over a few days, he was able to go home. Now high stage 4 of ckd immediately following prep and horrible bloodwork numbers that were stable. Don’t do it unless absolutely necessary.
My 76 year old mother had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago. Results for any concerns were all negative. But she has had abdominal pain and diarrhea since the colonoscopy was done. Going on week 3 now. She has stage 1 kidney disease and this point I really don’t know if it was safe for her to have it done. Doctors don’t know what is causing this. They are finally collecting stool samples and on antibiotics to control this. Just a heads up to discuss all medical history with doctors before colonoscopy.
Hi Priscilla, Thank you so much for your comment. We wish your mom good health, and thank you for the heads up about discussing all medical history with doctors. It is so important for our medical providers to have up-to-date through medical histories so they can guide their patients through screenings and procedures.
Hi Becky, Please check in with your health care team, since they are best equipped to answer your question and can give you advice on how to alleviate your kidney pain.
Hi Rick, We are not able to provide medical advice. Please be sure to check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to use Clenpiq as the prep for your upcoming colonoscopy.
I got GI infection in my lower abdomen after a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy was not required for me at my age.
Hi Gaurav, Thank you for your comment. Can you tell us more? Did your doctor tell you why or how the GI infection in your lower abdomen happened after your colonoscopy. Were you having signs and symptoms and is that why a colonoscopy was performed on you? (You mentioned colonoscopy was not required for you at your age.) We know screening saves lives. We are really sorry to hear about your GI infection after your colonoscopy.
Hi Julieann, Was your doctor able to tell you why you had the worst UTI of your life following your colonoscopy? We’re sorry to hear you had it. We hope it cleared up quickly because we know how painful they are. Glad you were able to complete your routine colonoscopy. Screening saves lives. Thank you for your comment!
Sharon, that is a great question, and unfortunately, we are unable to give medical advice. Can you please check in with your medical team. They know you best, and they can guide you. Also, keep in mind that as long as you don’t have signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, family or personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, family history of genetic syndrome linked to colorectal cancer, or previous radiation of the abdomen or pelvic area an at home test may be an option for you. Again, be sure to check in and ask your medical team your question. They know your health history and can best answer your question. Thanks for your comment!
Any correlation between Clenpiq and kidney stones? I did bowel prep on a Monday for a Tuesday scope. Ended up in the ER Friday eve w bilateral stones. No issues of stones prior.
Hi Kelley, We’re glad you had your colonoscopy! But sorry to hear you had kidney stones. We don’t know of a correlation between Clenpiq and kidney stones, and we’re posting your comment to see if anyone comments that they have had the same issue as you. Clenpiq has a “Contact Us” section on their website: https://www.clenpiq.com/ We would love if you followup to let us know what you learn. Thank you for your comment. We’re so happy you’ve had your colonoscopy, but we’re sorry you developed kidney stones.
I just used cleniq prep for a colonoscopy before prep in October my kidney value was 88 and as of Dec 8th 1 day after using prep my kidney value is 60.will my kidney value regulate or decline?
Hi Venus, We are so glad you had your colonoscopy, but please check in with your doctor with medical questions. Your doctor knows your health history and is better equipped to answer your question than we are. Sending positive thoughts that all is well.