If you're referred for a gastroscopy, you'll be told whether you need to stop taking any of your medications beforehand.

 

You may need to stop taking any prescribed medicines for indigestion for up to two weeks before the procedure. This is because the medication can mask some of the problems that a gastroscopy could find.

 

If you're taking any of the following medications, you should phone the endoscopy unit before your appointment, because special arrangements may need to be made:

 

⦁ any medication used to treat diabetes, such as insulin or metformin

 

⦁ any blood-thinning medication (used to prevent blood clots), such as low-dose aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel

 

It's important that your stomach is empty during a gastroscopy, so the whole area can be seen clearly. You'll usually be asked not to eat anything for six to eight hours before the procedure, and to stop drinking two to three hours before the procedure – follow the instructions given to you by the hospital.

 

 

When to seek medical advice

 

It's normal to feel bloated or have a sore throat for a day or two after a gastroscopy.

 

You should contact your GP or the endoscopy unit immediately if you develop signs of a more serious problem, such as:

 

⦁ severe or worsening chest pain or abdominal (tummy) pain

 

⦁ passing dark or "tar-like" stools

 

⦁ persistent vomiting or  vomiting blood

 

⦁ shortness of breath

 

⦁ a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above