Visicol and OsmoPrep associated acute phosphate nephropathy:

Article By: Dawn M. Chmielewski

Acute phosphate nephropathy, a type of acute renal failure, is a rare, but serious adverse event associated with oral sodium phosphate bowel cleansing products, including Visicol and OsmoPrep.

Bowel cleansing products are used in preparation for procedures such as colonoscopies.

Visicol and OsmoPrep are both prescription medications.

When acute phosphate nephropathy occurs, renal impairment is often permanent and may require chronic dialysis.

Individuals at increased risk include: those of advanced age, those with decreased intravascular volume or kidney disease, and those using medicines that affect renal perfusion or function [diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)].

Acute phosphate nephropathy (also called acute nephrocalcinosis) presents as acute renal failure with minimal proteinuria and a bland urine sediment in patients recently exposed to OSP. Renal biopsy reveals acute and/or chronic renal tubular injury (depending on time to diagnosis) with calcium-phosphate crystal deposition in the distal tubules and collecting ducts and no other pattern of histological injury.

If you or a loved one developed acute renal failure after ingesting Visicol or OsmoPrep, please contact us at 216-621-8484.