The first tablet colonoscopy preparation to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in over 10 years is now available in the United States.
SUTAB is a sulfate-based tablet colonoscopy preparation that is taken orally in a split-dose administration starting the evening before a colonoscopy. According to its maker, Sebela Pharmaceuticals, the tablets offer a safe and effective alternative to liquid colonoscopy preparations.
National guidelines recommend that adults at average risk begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45.
“Alternative colonoscopy preparations, like SUTAB, can play an important role in encouraging more patients to get screened for colorectal cancer,” said Alan Cooke, President and CEO of Sebela Pharmaceuticals. “With the introduction of SUTAB tablets, we hope to take yet another important step toward removing some of the burden often associated with the preparation process – allowing more patients to feel confident in their choice to undergo a colonoscopy.”
The FDA approved SUTAB on November 10, 2020. The approval was based on positive Phase 3 clinical trials, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of SUTAB compared to FDA-approved preparations in 941 patients, including a traditional polyethylene glycol and ascorbate preparation (PEG-EA) for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy.
A high rate of cleaning success was seen with SUTAB (92.4%), which demonstrated non-inferiority to PEG-EA (89.3%). Likewise, the percentage of patients rating their overall experience with SUTAB as “excellent” or “good” was higher than those rating PEG-EA (71.6% vs. 59.8%, respectively). For a future colonoscopy, 78% of patients said they would request SUTAB again.
SUTAB is now available by prescription in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.SUTAB.com.
SUTAB was developed by Braintree, the makers of SUPREP Bowel Prep Kit (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate) Oral Solution for adults—the market leader in branded colonoscopy preparations. Braintree, a leader in gastroenterology, is part of Sebela Pharmaceuticals.
FAQs
The FDA approved a tablet alternative, SUTAB (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride), introduced by Sebela Pharmaceuticals. This tablet option makes colonoscopy prep a much easier process than before. It is the first colonoscopy prep tablet introduced in the US in the past ten years.
What is the newest and easiest prep for colonoscopy? ›
Suflave is the newest type of colonoscopy preparation, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in 2023. People take Suflave as a liquid solution in two doses, with an extra 16 ounces of water after each dose.
What is the new pill prep for colonoscopy? ›
SUTAB is a sulfate-based tablet colonoscopy preparation that is taken orally in a split-dose administration starting the evening before a colonoscopy.
Is Sutab better than MiraLAX prep? ›
MiraLAX has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 258 ratings on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 23% reported a negative effect. Sutab has an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 from a total of 116 ratings on Drugs.com.
What is the least awful colonoscopy prep? ›
What is the easiest prep to take for a colonoscopy?
- A sulfate-free and flavored formula, such as NuLYTELY or TriLyte (PEG), for better taste.
- A lower-volume formula, such as MiraLAX or Halflytely (PEG), so there's less to drink.
The most common preparations include Polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte lavage solution, which come as a 4 liter solution or a 2 liter solution that requires adjuvant treatments, or sodium phosphate (NaP) type laxatives.
Why is Sutab so expensive? ›
Sutab only comes as a brand-name drug. It's not currently available in a generic version. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.
Will insurance pay for Sutab? ›
Commercially insured patients with coverage pay as little as $50 on their prescription. Patients without product coverage and patients without insurance pay as little as $60. Follow these steps when sending the prescription: Call SUTAB into the pharmacy.
Can you buy Sutab over the counter? ›
This medication was once available over the counter in the United States. But due to safety concerns associated with dosing, it's now only available with a prescription from a doctor. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved another colonoscopy prep pill sold under the brand name Sutab.
Which is better for colonoscopy prep pills or liquid? ›
If you're sensitive to textures in liquid, the tablet may make it possible for you to prepare your colon for the procedure completely. Be sure you take the tablets at the times you're prescribed. If you don't swallow pills easily, liquid prep may be a better option for you. Just be sure you take the entire dose.
Sutab can cause severe fluid loss (dehydration) and an imbalance in body salts (electrolytes), which can lead to serious problems, including abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and kidney problems.
Do I take all 12 sutab pills at once? ›
SUTAB® is a split-dose (2-day) regimen. A total of 24 tablets is required for complete preparation for colonoscopy. You will take the tablets in two doses of 12 tablets each. Water must be consumed with each dose of SUTAB®, and additional water must be consumed after each dose.
Why 2 doses of sutab? ›
Administration of two doses of SUTAB (24 tablets) are required for a complete preparation for colonoscopy. SUTAB is supplied as two bottles each containing 12 tablets. Twelve (12) tablets are equivalent to one dose. Each SUTAB bottle contains a desiccant.
What is the newest colonoscopy prep? ›
The FDA has approved Suflave, a new option for bowel prep that is touted to be better tasting than the average pre-colonoscopy drink.
How long will I poop after taking Sutab pills? ›
Diarrhea usually starts between 1 and 3 hours after starting to drink the fluid, and may last up to 3 hours, but then should stop. Take out remaining 12 tablets of SUTAB and pour a 16-ounce container of water. Swallow each tablet with a sip of water and drink the entire 16 ounces within 20 minutes.
What colonoscopy prep was taken off the market? ›
HALFLYTELY AND BISACODYL TABLETS BOWEL PREP KIT (20-mg bisacodyl) was indicated for the cleansing of the colon as preparation for colonoscopy in adults. Braintree informed FDA that it ceased to manufacture and market HALFLYTELY AND BISACODYL TABLETS BOWEL PREP KIT (20-mg bisacodyl) as of September 25, 2007.
Which colonoscopy prep is the most tolerable? ›
SUTAB is more tolerable for many patients due to its pill form and may cause fewer side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, as a result. CLENPIQ is another solution-based regimen including sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid.
Is there an easier colonoscopy prep? ›
Popular alternatives are newer, low-volume versions, which lets you drink a smaller quantity of prep mixture rather than the usual 1-gallon jug. Another new option involves consuming 24 tablets. (Patients swallow 12 with water the night before a colonoscopy and 12 more the morning of the procedure.)
What is the newest colonoscopy procedure? ›
Virtual colonoscopy (VC), also known as CT colonography, is equally effective, less invasive and faster than standard colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. Unlike standard colonoscopy, it does not require sedation. You can drive yourself home after the test and return to normal daily activities.
What is the latest colonoscopy recommendations? ›
Screening recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
