What Problems Can Fleet Phospho-Soda Cause?

Fleet Phospho-soda is a sodium phosphate that is taken orally in the form of a tablet or liquid solution. Fleet Phospho-soda affects a person’s gastrointestinal tract to different degrees depending on the dose. It is typically used to empty the gastrointestinal tract in preparation for a colonoscopy, to treat constipation or to treat patients after surgery.

Fleet Phospho-soda to Treat Constipation

Constipation occurs when a person’s bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. It can be an uncomfortable and potentially serious condition if it is left untreated. Therefore, there several medications exist to help relieve constipation.

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Fleet Phospho-soda, for example, is used as an over the counter medication to treat constipation. The medication works by drawing moisture into the digestive tract and it usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to a few hours after use. Fleet Phospho-soda is used in smaller doses by people treating constipation than people preparing for colonoscopies and other medical treatments that require bowel cleansing. The FDA was specific in its December 11, 2008 alert regarding Fleet Phospho-soda that oral sodium phosphates, such as Fleet Phospho-soda, can continue to be sold over the counter for treatment of constipation since Fleet Phospho-soda side effects are less likely to occur when the drug is used for this purpose.

Fleet Phospho-soda in Preparation for Colonoscopies and other Medical Treatments

Fleet Phospho-soda and other oral sodium phosphates are used in much greater concentrations in order to cleanse the bowels prior to a colonoscopy or other medical procedure. The medication works in the same way that it does to treat constipation but greater amounts are taken in order to cleanse the bowels. Accordingly, significant Fleet Phospho-soda side effects are more likely. The FDA has found that sodium phosphates used to cleanse the bowels in preparation for medical treatments can cause acute phosphate nephropathy, an acute kidney injury.

Colonoscopies detect early colorectal cancer and remove potentially dangerous polyps, thereby saving the lives of many Americans each year. Colonoscopies are an important part of modern medicine and the bowel cleansing done in preparation for colonoscopies, while unpleasant, is necessary. However, there are other products on the market that are safer than sodium phosphates and can be obtained with a physician’s prescription.

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While Fleet Phospho-soda is used to treat constipation and prepare the body for important medical treatments, it is important to remember that Fleet Phospho-soda is proven to cause serious, potentially fatal, kidney injuries. If you, or a loved one, have suffered from the use of Fleet Phospho-soda, it is important to contact an experienced Fleet Phospho-soda attorney to discuss your legal options.

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