Preparing for your gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy​

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You have made the decision to undergo gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy. It is important that you follow these instructions to ensure you get the best result from your endoscopy. 

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For gastroscopy:

• STOP your diabetic medication on the morning of your scope procedure.

• For blood thinning medications such as plavix (clopidogrel) or anticoagulants such as warfarin or Xarelto, please discuss this with your doctor the specific plan for them as this has to be individualised on a case by case basis. 

• You should NOT consume any food from 6-8 hours before your endoscopy. 

• You may drink plain water or clear fluid up to 2 hours before endoscopy. 

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For colonoscopy:

• STOP your diabetic medication on the morning of your scope procedure.

• STOP your oral iron supplement for 1 week prior to colonoscopy. 

• For blood thinning medications such as plavix (clopidogrel) or anticoagulants such as warfarin or Xarelto, please discuss this with your doctor the specific plan for them as this has to be individualised on a case by case basis. 

• You should NOT consume any food from 6-8 hours before your endoscopy. 

• You may drink plain water or clear fluid up to 2 hours before endoscopy. 

• Take your bowel preparation medication as instructed. This medication will cause diarrhoea so as to cleanse your large intestine for your doctor to check it properly during colonoscopy. 

• It is important that you avoid certain food or drink in the following table starting from 3 days before your colonoscopy:

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