Fybogel

What is Fybogel and what is it used for?

Fybogel Sachets provide natural relief from constipation; the high-fibre granules dissolve quickly in water for a tasty drink. This sugar- and gluten-free treatment contains natural ispaghula husk fibre, which helps maintain regularity.

Fybogel sachets are available in three different flavours; orange, lemon, and plain. All of the flavours come in boxes of 30 sachets. Fybogel is manufactured by Forum Health and marketed by Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare.

Fybogel is used for:

• Relieving constipation.
• Regulating bowel movements and making stool easier to pass.
• Maintaining normal bowel function in people with an ileostomy or colostomy, chronic diarrhoea due to diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Fybogel treats constipation and softens stools. It naturally stimulates the bowel and is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Fybogel can take up to three days to show an effect.

How does Fybogel work?

Fybogel contains the active ingredient Ispaghula husk, which is a bulk-forming laxative. It is a type of fibre that swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and increases faecal volume. The increased mass in the bowel stimulates muscles in the walls of the intestines to push the contents along, which helps relieve constipation. Digestive improvement can take up to three days.

Does Fybogel cause weight loss?

Fybogel laxative sachets offer quick and effective treatment for constipation by encouraging trapped stools to pass through. Relieving constipation may help your stomach to appear less bloated as the treatment begins to ease your constipation symptoms. However, Fybogel is not a weight loss solution and you will not lose fat or weight while taking the sachets.

Check out our Safe Weight Loss Guide for sustainable weight loss tips.

Alternatives to Fybogel

Drinking plenty of fluids, regular exercise and a diet rich in vegetables and fibre are simple lifestyle changes that help with constipation. Lack of dietary fibre is one of the main causes of bowel irregularity, Fybogel Sachets can help combat this and relieve discomfort. Fybogel contains no chemical stimulants.

Fybogel Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5652.pdf

How to use Fybogel Hi-Fibre Sachets

Each sachet should be stirred into a glass (150 ml) of water and drunk as soon as the fizzing subsides. The medication works best when taken after meals. Do not take it shortly before going to bed.

How long does Fybogel take to work?

Fybogel laxative sachets contain ispaghula husk, which helps your digestive system work more efficiently, and gently relieves constipation. One sachet can be taken in the morning and evening.

You should experience an improvement in your bowel movements within 2-3 working days. If you haven't had a bowel movement after three days of taking Fybogel, you should see your doctor.

Fybogel dosage

Adults and children over 12:

Take 1 sachet in the morning, and another 1 sachet in the evening, or as has been prescribed by your doctor.

Children 6 - 12:

Depending on age and size, take a half teaspoon to one 5ml level spoonful, morning and evening.

Consult your doctor if, after 3 days of treatment, there is no bowel movement.

Fybogel ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Fybogel is 3.5g Ispaghula Husk per sachet.

Fybogel Sachets also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Aspartame and saccharin sodium sweeteners, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, polysorbate 80, silica colloidal anhydrous, citric acid and riboflavin sodium phosphate colouring.

Fybogel side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take medication, however if you do they can include:

• You might experience bloating or flatulence during the first few days of treatment because of the increased intake of fibre in your diet. This may lessen as you continue taking the treatment. If these symptoms are worrying you, then reduce the daily amount to 1 sachet a day.
• Consult your pharmacist or doctor if symptoms persist or if you experience other symptoms after taking this product.
• Avoid taking this product without water.
• In case you accidentally take more than recommended, drink plenty of water.
• Avoid taking more than the recommended dosage.
• Avoid using this product after the expiry date indicated on the pack.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Fybogel warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

If you are allergic to the ingredients or if you are suffering from bowel blockage or muscle weakness of the bowel wall, avoid taking Fybogel.

This product is sweetened with aspartame containing a source of phenylalanine that can be harmful to individuals with phenylketonuria. You should therefore avoid taking Fybogel, if you have phenylketonuria.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.