Lamarr Chambers, 24, of Villa Road in Brixton, is believed to have swallowed drugs during a police chase in Harlow, Essex, on 17 January.
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard he had rejected laxatives and an X-ray but was eating and drinking.
In defence, Andrew Horsall said Mr Chambers had not had privacy for 37 days.
The court heard Mr Chambers was being kept in a normal prison cell with two police officers with him at all times.
Mr Horsall added: "There's the potential of something going seriously wrong. We're in an arena of risk of death."
