Medical Reports: Prescription for Trouble

WSVN -- Sarah Hancock thought getting tested for colon cancer was supposed to be a lifesaver, but within hours of her colonoscopy she became violently ill.

Sarah Hancock: "I started throwing up. I was nauseated. I couldn't hold anything down."

Her colon was fine, but her kidneys were suddenly failing.

Sarah Hancock: "I was absolutely shocked. I've never had any kidney problems in my life."

Doctors say the liquid Sarah drank to prepare for the colonoscopy was to blame.

Sarah Hancock: "They told me there was no reverse action, that the only way that I could be helped would be a kidney transplant. In other words, I've lost both of my kidneys."

Patients take a bowel cleanser before a colonoscopy so doctors can get a good look at the colon.

Many of them contain sodium phosphate, a substance that can crystalize in the kidneys, causing permanent damage.

The FDA has received 20 reports of kidney injury associated with the use of sodium phosphate medications. The FDA says: "In some cases, these serious adverse events occurred in patients with no pre-existing health factors that would have put them at risk."

The FDA recommends "consumers not use over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate medications, or OSPs, for bowel-cleansing."

Sarah had taken an over-the-counter product her doctor had suggested.

Attorney: "Her life has been dramatically and tragically changed."

The makers of the product Sarah took have voluntarily pulled it from shelves but maintains it is safe.

Dr. Barry Migicovsky: "I would suggest better safe than sorry. Stay away from the phospho sodas."

Local hospitals we talked to say they try to avoid sodium phosphate products. People who need to have a colonoscopy should know there are safer alternatives out there.

Dr. Barry Migicovsky: "There are FDA-approved preparations such as MoviPrep, GoLYTELY,

TriLyte or other products that are similar to this."

For Sarah, it's information that comes too late.

Her only hope now is a kidney transplant.

Sarah Hancock: "I went to keep myself in good health, and i came out a very sick woman, i have lost my kidneys."

The FDA also says dehydration, medications and other pre-existing medical conditions could have played a role in the kidney failure cases. Your best bet: Talk to your doctor about what prep drug is best for you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

FDA:
www.fda.gov

Memorial Healthcare System
Dr. Barry Migicovsky
954-431-7724
www.mhs.net

Jeffrey DeCarlo
Attorney
4500 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
(305) 572-0065