How to take Fybogel®
Date issued: October 2022
For review: October 2024
Ref: B-330/AC/Medicine/How to take Fybogel v2
PDF: How to take Fybogel [pdf] 165KB
Instruction for patients seen in the Pelvic Floor Clinic
What is Fybogel?
Fybogel is one of a group of drugs called bulk forming laxatives. It is a source of natural fibre which helps to regulate bowel function. These drugs are designed to attract water into your poo, making them softer and easier to pass, thus reducing constipation. As Fybogel absorbs water and makes the poo bulkier, it can be used to treat diarrhoea or very soft poo.
How does it improve bowel control?
Fybogel works by absorbing water in the bowel and so increasing the bulk of the poo. This helps regulate bowel movement. It also softens the poo, which makes them pass through the bowel more easily reducing straining.
As the poo becomes bulkier, it may become easier to control and this may help people who have had part of their bowel removed or who have leakage problems to pass poo.
What are the risks?
You should not take Fybogel if your doctor has told you that you have:
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An obstruction in your intestine (gut)
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A perforated gut wall
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Severe inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or toxic megacolon.
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Phenylketonuria
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An allergy to any of the ingredients, in particular Plantago ovata seeds
It is important that you read the leaflet provided with the medication before taking it.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before you take Fybogel.
The most commonly reported side effects with Fybogel are mild. Sometimes people have stomach ache or rumbles, or feel bloated or sick. Some people also get increased flatulence (wind). These symptoms usually settle within a few days as your body gets used to the increased fibre intake.
It is possible to have a mild allergic reaction such as itchy skin, eyes, or nose. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, please stop the medication and we can consider switching you to an alternative.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of taking Fybogel are that the poo is softer and bulkier and so moves more easily through the bowel. Taking Fybogel regularly prevents constipation. It can also treat loose stool by absorbing fluid and so help regulate bowel movements. As the stool is bulkier it makes it easier for the muscles in the back passage to control it. For this reason Fybogel can be used for people who have had part of their bowel removed and also those who suffer from leakage of stool.
What are the alternatives?
There are other medicines that have a similar effect on the bowel; these include Regulan® and Isogel®.
What dose do I take?
A suggested starting dose of Fybogel will have been discussed with you. It is usual to start with 1 sachet a day but some people will require a larger dose. People vary a lot in their response to Fybogel. It sometimes needs some experimentation to find the dose that will soften your poo without giving you diarrhoea. It is usual to start on a low dose and build it up slowly over a few days so that you can judge how your body is responding. It is best to take Fybogel after meals but do not take it just before going to bed.
It is important to drink plenty while you are taking Fybogel. You should aim to drink at least 2 litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drinks will do, but as a start, just try drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink. Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as Fybogel.
Try to eat a balanced diet containing high-fibre foods such as wholemeal and whole-grain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. If you are not used to a high-fibre diet, it may be best to increase the amount of fibre you eat gradually.
Keeping your body active will help you to keep the digestive system moving, so try to take some regular exercise.
How to take it.
Take the Fybogel after a meal or snack. Do not take late evening or before going to bed. Pour the contents into a glass of water (about 250mls). Stir well until all the powder has dissolved and the Fybogel solution is clear or slightly hazy, and then drink it. You must take the medicine as soon as possible after preparing it otherwise it becomes very thick and difficult to drink. Have a good glass of water after having the Fybogel and ensure that you drink plenty of fluids across the day.
Cautions with other medications.
Fybogel can interact and change the way a small number of medicines work, therefore we would recommend taking it at least an hour before your regular medication or 4 hours after.
