EGD (Upper Endoscopy) Prep

EGD (Upper Endoscopy) Prep Explained

An EGD (upper endoscopy) uses a flexible scope to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine while you are sedated. Because fasting is required and some diabetes and GLP-1 medications affect stomach emptying, preparation helps ensure the procedure is performed safely and accurately.

Important Things to Know

Continue all aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, Naprosyn, sulindac, piroxicam, Feldene, indomethacin, diclofenac, and Voltaren. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is also safe to continue.
If you take a prescribed blood thinner you will need holding instructions from our office.
Arrange to have a driver take you home after the procedure. You will not be allowed to drive after receiving sedation.
If you have diabetes use the following instructions:
- Fasting (going without food) is required for this procedure, monitor your blood sugar and follow these directions.
  - GLP-1 - STOP 7 days prior to your procedure. (ex: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
  - SGLT2 - Stop 3 days prior to procedure. (ex: Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana, Steglatro, Brenzavvy, Glyxambi, Synjardy, Xigduo, Qtern)
  - Other oral diabetic medication: do not take the morning of your procedure.
  - Insulin Pump: Leave on, if you have questions refer to your endocrinologist.
  - Long-acting Insulin: Do not take the morning of your procedure.
  - Short-acting insulin: dose as necessary with blood sugar monitoring.
  - If you are concerned about your blood sugar dropping, consider purchasing glucose tablets

Timing & Schedule

Preparation focuses on fasting and medication planning in the days leading up to your procedure. You’ll follow specific dietary guidelines beforehand and adjust diabetes or GLP-1 medications as instructed. Detailed instructions and exact timing are provided below.

Instructions:

Step 1.

The Day Before Your Procedure (If you're on a GLP-1)

24 hours prior to procedure, BEGIN A CLEAR LIQUID DIET. Do not eat any solid foods. You may consume clear fluids including juice (apple, grape, strained orange, strained lemonade), tea, coffee (no milk or creamer), soft drinks, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), clear broth or bouillon, Jell-O, and popsicle only.
- GLP-1 medication causes delayed stomach emptying and it is required to have a clear stomach to have a successful exam

Step 2.

Day Of Your Procedure (If you're on a GLP-1)

4 hours prior to your procedure, STOP ALL LIQUIDS. This also means NO water other than to take your medications – this is very important. Drinking within 4 hours before your procedure may result in delay or cancellation of your procedure.

Step 3.

The Day Of Your Procedure (If you're NOT on a GLP-1)

8 hours prior to the procedure, BEGIN A CLEAR LIQUID DIET. Do not eat any solid foods. You may consume clear fluids including juice (apple, grape, strained orange, strained lemonade), tea, coffee (no milk or creamer), soft drinks, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), clear broth or bouillon, Jell-O, and popsicles.
4 hours prior to your procedure, STOP ALL LIQUIDS. This also means NO water other than to take your medications – this is very important. Drinking less than 4 hours before your procedure may result in delay or cancellation of your procedure.

Step 4.

General Instructions For All Patients

Loose dentures may be removed prior to the procedure.
Please bring a list of your current medications and correct dosage to your appointment.
NO DRIVING – Because of the sedatives that you will be given you cannot drive for the remainder of the day. You need to have a responsible driver to take you home after your procedure. If your driver wishes to discuss the results of your procedure with the doctor, please have them accompany you to your procedure and remain on site. We do not recommend Uber, Lyft, or taking a taxi – these are not acceptable forms of transportation post-sedation.
You will be sedated for your procedure. Please avoid alcohol and making legal decisions for the remainder of the day after your procedure.

Take Aways

Additional Details

Medication:

STOP GLP-1 medications 7 days prior to your procedure.
STOP SGLT2 medications 3 days prior to procedure.
There are different instructions depending on the medications you take, please read all instructions carefully.
DO NOT DRINK water or anything while driving to your appointment or waiting for your appointment – we need your stomach empty to safely use sedation.
You may not remember your conversation with your doctor after your procedure – we STRONGLY recommend your driver stays IN our facility to speak with the doctor after your test.

Your procedure time will be approximately 90 minutes from the scheduled check-in time to discharge for procedures in the Endoscopy Centers. Please coordinate with your driver to alleviate delays in discharge.
We cannot be responsible for your valuables (watches or various jewelry items). Please leave them at home.
Bring all insurance cards and a photo ID with you. Please check with your insurance company regarding prior authorization.
Fee for services is required at time of check-in. Please be prepared to make a payment.
IGA recognizes that your time is valuable, and so is ours. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so more than 48 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment arrival time at 208-343-6458. Late cancellations and no shows may be assessed a $200 fee.

These instructions summarize the EGD preparation process and do not replace the full written directions you receive from Idaho Gastroenterology Associates. Always follow the specific instructions given to you for your procedure and contact our office if you have questions about any step or medication change.

EGD (Upper Endoscopy) Prep