Posts Tagged ‘ OSP ’

Corazon Aquino, Colonoscopy Prep & my $5,275 Colonoscopy

August 3rd, 2009. By AbiK

This weekend’s passing of Corazon Aquino after her battle with colon cancer puts the disease back in the spotlight—particularly at a time when online reports estimate that anywhere from 50%- 60% of Americans over 50 years of age have not had a colonoscopy. 

At first, that statistic seems alarming. But here’s the thing—who wants a colonoscopy? I’ve already posted about how the colonoscopy prep options are like being between a rock and a hard place: either you gag down a gallon of wannabe fruit-flavored solution, or you potentially increase your risk of kidney failure by using the more palatable Osmo-Prep, Visicol or maybe Fleet EZ Prep. 

Perhaps the biggest thing of all to swallow is the cost of a colonoscopy. Here’s the breakdown of my recent colonoscopic adventure:

Doctor Consultation:                               $375

Doctor Fee for Procedure:                     $2100

Facility Fee:                                           $2800

Total:                              a whopping $5,275

And keep in mind that if you haven’t met your deductible, or if you’re paying out-of-network, you’ll be forking over a large chunk of that $5,275. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Colonoscopy, Osmo-Prep, OSP
Posted in Drugs/Medical | 1 Comment »

Why exactly is Oral Sodium Phosphate so bad?

July 23rd, 2009. By AbiK

After following the OSP (oral sodium phosphate) story—where the FDA required a black box warning for colonoscopy prep solutions containing OSP, such as Osmo-Prep and Visicol, as they were found to potentially increase the risk of kidney failure, I started to wonder just what the heck OSP does when it’s in your system. 

Here’s what it does. According to a “Dear Mayo Clinic” column answered by Dr. Stephen B. Erickson of the Mayo Clinic’s Nephrology department (mayoclinic.org, 4/15/07),

“The problem occurs when phosphates, which should pass through the kidneys, collect there instead. As a result, areas of the kidneys become calcified—in effect, “turn to stone.” This can damage the kidneys in two ways: by clogging some of the organ’s ducts, and by disabling some kidney tissue, which is essential for filtering out toxins from the blood. Both kinds of damage are permanent.

While this damage is said to occur “rarely,” that’s because only the worst cases present symptoms. What concerns me is that we may be recognizing just the “tip of the iceberg”.” Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Oral Sodium Phosphate, OSP
Posted in Drugs/Medical, Personal Injury | 3 Comments »

Colonoscopy Prep: the more palatable, the more risk

July 21st, 2009. By AbiK

Having a colonoscopy is a weird sort of rite of passage. Once you’ve had one, you can give your colon-checking compatriots that knowing nod when they mention the procedure. Guaranteed after that nod, someone will bring up “prep”—it’s the point of convergence for all colonoscopy conversation. And for good reason: it’s the worst part of the procedure and it’s the only part for which you’re entirely too conscious.

So weren’t we all filled with glee when we learned there was an oral sodium phosphate pill—a pill!—we could take rather then slugging back a 4-liter jug of Golytely? Well, with recent reports, maybe not. 

There are 3 basic options for colonoscopy prep: Golytely (also Colyte, Nulytely), Fleet Phospho-soda EZ Prep, and Oral Sodium Phosphate (Osmo-Prep and Visicol). The problem with them (aside from the fact that you have to take one of them) is that there’s an inverse relationship between their palatability and their associated risks. Here, an overview of the options—not to be construed as medical advice; for that, see your doctor. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Colonoscopy, Oral Sodium Phosphate, OSP
Posted in Drugs/Medical, Personal Injury | 4 Comments »

Is OSP Risk A Colonoscopy Deterrent?

May 28th, 2009. By janem

It’s uncomfortable and worrisome enough having to go through screening for colon cancer through colonoscopy—which is extremely important in identifying and treating the disease. Now add one more concern to deter people from getting the procedure: Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP) as a bowel cleanser has been associated with acute kidney injury. C.B. Fleet Company  announced a voluntary recall of its OTC products: Fleet(R) Phospho-soda(R) and Fleet(R) Phospho-soda(R) EZ-Prep(R) Bowel Cleansing System, and the FDA is slapping a black box warning on other OSPs, as well as recommending that only prescription OSPs be used by patients for bowel cleansing prior to undergoing colonoscopy.

 

Researchers set out to determine exactly which parts of the colonoscopy process deterred patients from getting the procedure and, you guessed it, not wanting to take the bowel prep ranked as the No. 1 deterrent. But all OSPs are not created equally; for example, one report says that NutraPrep did the job just as well, if not better than OSPs. And it isn’t associated with kidney injury. So if you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, ask your health provider about alternative bowel cleansers.

Tags: Colonoscopy, Oral Sodium Phosphate, OSP
Posted in Emerging Issues | No Comments »