What is Fybogel?
Fybogel is a fibre supplement that contains the active ingredient Ispaghula Husk, a natural source of dietary fibre. This supplement offers an easy and convenient method to increase your daily fibre intake, promoting a healthier and more efficient digestive system. By gently alleviating constipation through natural means, Fybogel helps to support regular bowel movements without causing unnecessary straining, discomfort, or sudden urgency. This makes it a gentle and effective solution for restoring and maintaining digestive regularity.
Fybogel is suitable for use whenever there’s a need to increase dietary fibre, particularly in cases of constipation, including constipation that may occur during pregnancy. It can also be beneficial for situations where a high-fibre diet is required for better digestive health or to manage specific digestive conditions.
What is the active ingredient in Fybogel?
The active ingredient contained in Fybogel is 3.5g Ispaghula Husk per sachet.
What is Fybogel used for?
Fybogel is used for:
- Easing constipation.
- Regulating bowel movements and making stools easier to pass.
- Supporting normal bowel function in individuals with an ileostomy or colostomy, as well as those with chronic diarrhoea caused by conditions like diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fybogel helps relieve constipation and softens stools by naturally stimulating the bowel. It is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it may take up to three days to show its full effect.
How do you use Fybogel?
For oral use only. Always take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure, consult with them for clarification.
To take Fybogel, fill a glass with approximately 150ml of cold water. Add the recommended amount (refer to the dosage instructions below), stir thoroughly, and drink immediately, preferably after meals. Do not take the product without water. It is important to take this medicine at least 30 minutes before or after other medications and avoid taking it right before going to bed.
Dosage Instructions:
- Adults and children over 12 years: Take one sachet in the morning and one in the evening, preferably after meals.
- Children aged 6 to 12 years: Take half to one level 5 ml spoonful, depending on the child's size and age, morning and evening, preferably after meals.
- Children under 6 years: Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
If your symptoms worsen or if you do not have a bowel movement after 3 days of treatment, consult a doctor.
If you take more Fybogel than recommended: Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you accidentally take more than you should, drink plenty of water.
If you forget to take Fybogel: If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Simply continue with the next scheduled dose.
Who should not take Fybogel?
Do not take this medication if:
- You are allergic to Ispaghula husk or any of the other ingredients, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
- You have experienced a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted for more than two weeks.
- You are suffering from a bowel obstruction (intestinal blockage or fecal impaction).
- You have a weakened bowel wall (colonic atony).
- You have a naturally slow gut motility (reduced speed at which material moves through your gut).
- You have difficulty swallowing or have any throat problems.
Inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if:
- You have phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) as this product contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
- You experience unexplained rectal bleeding or are unable to pass stools after using laxatives.
- Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days of use.
- You have difficulty swallowing or any throat issues.
Take special precautions:
- If you are a healthcare worker or caregiver, as inhaling the powder may cause allergic sensitization.
- If not taken with enough liquid, this product can cause chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
- Elderly or debilitated (weakened) patients may require medical supervision when using this product.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
This medication is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Important information for specific conditions:
- Each sachet of this medication contains 16 mg of aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder where phenylalanine accumulates in the body, this could be harmful.
- This medication contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per sachet, making it essentially ‘sodium-free.’
- Each sachet contains 0.25 mmol (or 9.76 mg) of potassium. Patients with reduced kidney function or those on a controlled potassium diet should take this into account.
What are the side effects of Fybogel?
Like all medications, this product can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some individuals may have allergic reactions, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing, skin rash, itching, or a sudden severe allergic reaction. This product contains allergens, which you might come into contact with through skin contact, inhalation, or oral intake. This could lead to red or itchy eyes, a runny or blocked nose, or a skin rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
When you start taking this product, the increased fiber in your diet may cause some gas (flatulence) or bloating, which should decrease as your body adjusts. If you notice any other symptoms after using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the internet at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Reporting side effects helps to provide more information on the safety of this medication.
Does Fybogel interact with other medicines?
You should not take this medicine if you are using other medications that may cause constipation, such as codeine or morphine.
Avoid taking Fybogel within 30 minutes to 1 hour before or after the following medications:
- Insulin: If you have diabetes and use insulin, you may need to reduce your insulin dose when taking Fybogel Orange with meals.
- Medications for thyroid problems: Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your thyroid hormones if you are taking this medication.
Fybogel FAQs
What is Fybogel and what is it used for?
Fybogel Sachets provide a natural solution for relieving constipation. These high-fibre granules dissolve quickly in water, creating a pleasant-tasting drink. The formula is sugar- and gluten-free, containing natural ispaghula husk fibre, which helps maintain regular bowel movements.
Fybogel is available in three flavours—orange, lemon, and plain—and is sold in boxes of 30 sachets. It is manufactured by Forum Health and distributed by Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare.
What is Fybogel used for?
- Relieving constipation
- Regulating bowel movements and making stools easier to pass
- Supporting normal bowel function in individuals with an ileostomy or colostomy or those with chronic diarrhoea due to conditions such as diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Fybogel naturally stimulates the bowel, softens stools, and is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may take up to three days to produce noticeable results.
How does Fybogel work?
Fybogel contains ispaghula husk, a bulk-forming laxative. This fibre expands when it absorbs fluid in the gut, increasing the volume of stool. The added bulk helps stimulate the intestinal muscles, promoting the movement of contents through the digestive tract and relieving constipation. It may take up to three days to see improvements in digestion.
Does Fybogel cause weight loss?
Fybogel effectively relieves constipation by aiding the passage of trapped stools, which may reduce bloating. However, Fybogel is not designed for weight loss and will not lead to fat or weight reduction.
Are there any alternatives to Fybogel?
Aside from Fybogel, constipation can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, and eating a diet rich in vegetables and fibre. Fybogel helps alleviate bowel irregularity caused by low dietary fibre and contains no chemical stimulants.
How to use Fybogel Hi-Fibre Sachets
To use, stir one sachet into a glass (150 ml) of water and drink immediately after the fizzing subsides. For best results, take Fybogel after meals and avoid taking it just before bedtime.
How long does Fybogel take to work?
Most people notice an improvement in bowel movements within 2-3 days of using Fybogel. If you do not have a bowel movement after three days, consult your doctor.
Fybogel dosage
- Adults and children over 12 years: Take one sachet in the morning and another in the evening, or as directed by your doctor.
- Children aged 6-12 years: Depending on age and size, take half a teaspoon to one 5 ml level spoonful, morning and evening.
If there is no bowel movement after 3 days, consult your doctor.
What are the ingredients in Fybogel?
Each Fybogel sachet contains 3.5g of ispaghula husk as the active ingredient. The inactive ingredients include aspartame and saccharin sodium sweeteners, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, polysorbate 80, silica colloidal anhydrous, citric acid, and riboflavin sodium phosphate for colouring.
What are the side effects of Fybogel?
While not everyone experiences side effects, some people may experience bloating or flatulence during the first few days due to increased fibre intake. This usually diminishes over time. If these symptoms are troublesome, you can reduce the dosage to one sachet per day. If symptoms persist or if you experience any other side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Always take Fybogel with water, and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Who should not take Fybogel?
- Do not use Fybogel if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have a bowel blockage or weakened bowel muscles.
- Fybogel contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine, which may be harmful to individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, avoid using Fybogel.
- Always read the packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before starting any new medication, and inform your doctor of any other medications you are currently taking or plan to take.
