What to Expect from Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD) Preparation

Seven days before the procedure

Stop taking plavix (clopidogrel) or other antiplatelet agent if instructed by us to do so.  

Five days before the procedure

Stop taking Coumadin (Warfarin) iIF INSTRUCTED BY US TO DO SO. If you have an artificial heart valve, you need to talk to your primary care physician or cardiologist about using an alternative anticoagulant.  Please notify us if this cannot be stopped.  Make sure the doctor performing your endoscopy knows if you have a prosthetic heart valve.

**All of the above advice should be followed to minimize risk of serious bleeding ***

One day before the procedure

Do not eat any solid food after midnight on the night before the procedure.

Day of the procedure

You may drink only clear liquids up to 4 hours before your procedure.

Medications can be taken up to 4 hours before the examination with little sips of water. Do not take any antacids or carafate before the procedure, or any of the medications mentioned above.