Fybogel Mebeverine

What is Fybogel Mebeverine?

Fybogel Mebeverine is used to ease the symptoms and discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Each dose comes in a powder form which is mixed into a glass of water and taken orally. 

How does Fybogel work?

Fybogel contains two main components: ispaghula husk which is a plant derived substance that is high in fibre and Mebeverine which is an antispasmodic medicine. They work to ease the passage of waste through the digestive system and relieve painful cramps, allowing your digestive system to function without stress. 

How long does Fybogel last?

Fybogel is usually taken twice a day for a one week period. How long it lasts will depend on the nature of your symptoms and condition. 

How quickly does Fybogel work?

It will usually take 2-3 days for Fybogel to begin to regulate your bowel movements. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients are: Potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, basic butylated methacrylate copolymer, sterilised talc, polyethylene glycol 6000, citric acid, polysorbate 80, silica colloidal anhydrous, saccharin sodium, aspartame E951, orange flavour, beta-carotene, riboflavine sodium phosphate and apo-carotenal colouring.

Active ingredients

3.5g ispaghula husk and 135mg mebeverine hydrochloride are the active ingredients in each dose of Fybogel. 

Fybogel Dosage

For adults and children over the age of 13 the standard dose is to use one sachet twice a day. 

How to take Fybogel

Empty the Fybogel powder into a glass filled with a minimum of 150ml of water. Stir until the mixture has dissolved and then drink it down immediately. You should drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day to encourage a healthy gut and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Make sure that you take your evening dose at least an hour before going to bed otherwise you won't get the benefit of the medicine as it may cause a blockage in your gut. 

Fybogel Side Effects

Side effects you may experience include: 

• Bloating
• Flatulence 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Blockage of the bowel 
• The latter two can be avoided by ensuring you take Fybogel with sufficient quantities of water. 

Seek medical attention if you experience: 

• A rash 
• Itching 
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling 
• Hypersensitivity 
• Eye redness and a runny nose 

These are signs of an allergic reaction.   

Fybogel and pregnancy/breastfeeding

Fybogel is suitable to use during pregnancy. It's recommended that you check with your doctor first to ensure it's the right treatment for you. 

Drug Interactions

Consult your doctor if you are taking insulin or medicines to treat thyroid problems as your dose may need adjusting. You should not take Fybogel within one hour before or after taking these types of medications. 

Contraindications

You should not use Fybogel if you: 

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients 
• Have a blockage of the bowel
• Have muscle weakness in the bowel
• Have throat problems or difficulty swallowing 
• Have constipation which is severe 
• Produce blood in your stool
• Are breastfeeding 

Consult your doctor if: 

• You are a care worker and frequently handle medicines which contain ispaghula husk
• You have phenylketonuria
• You are over the age of 40
• You have a debilitating condition 
• You have abdominal pain
• You are vomiting
• You have a fever
• You are tired and pale
• You have recently travelled abroad
• You may be pregnant 
• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge 
• You have acute porphyria
• You have difficulty urinating 

Can I take Fybogel with other IBS treatments?

Fybogel is safe to use alongside other IBS treatments such as Buscopan. It's recommended that you check with your doctor first to make sure that any additional treatments are suitable to take while you are using Fybogel. 

Alternatives to Fybogel

Osmotic laxatives take the same amount of time to work as Fybogel but work by drawing water from other areas of the body to soften the stool. Laxatives like Senna and Bisacodyl are stimulants which usually work overnight. These might be preferable for one-off occasions or if you need your symptoms to disappear fast. Buscopan is a treatment specific for IBS but it only eases the stomach cramps and discomfort. It can be taken in conjunction with Fybogel. 

Can lifestyle changes help with IBS?

There are lots of lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage your IBS. Identifying your triggers will help you to avoid the things which cause your symptoms to flare up. Common triggers include stress, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and spicy food. In general drinking plenty of water, ensuring you eat fiber rich foods, maintaining a healthy diet and eating small, regular meals are all helpful steps you can take. 

Dietary changes to avoid IBS

Keeping a food diary and noting down when symptoms flare up can help you to identify which types of food are having an effect on your IBS. Avoiding these irritants will help to keep your symptoms in check and leave you feeling more in control.  

What should you do if Fybogel doesn’t work?

If Fybogel doesn't work for you then report this to your doctor who may recommend an alternative treatment. 

Are women more susceptible to IBS than men?

Almost twice as many women are affected by the syndrome as men, a statistic which some researchers have linked to hormones due increased occurrence during the time of menstruation. It has also been suggested people are more likely to suffer from IBS if they are under 45, have mental health problems or there is a family history of the condition. There are no specific tests to determine whether someone is suffering from IBS, although a blood or stool test can rule out any other medical conditions.

Can I take Fybogel after an operation?

Fybogel can be used after an operation to relieve constipation. If you have any concerns you should raise these with your doctor.

What can trigger IBS?

IBS can be triggered by a number of factors, including; food or drinks such as alcohol, fizzy drinks, caffeine, spices, chocolate, and processed snacks or psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety.

Should I take Fybogel if I am constipated?

Fybogel is a laxative so it is ideal if you are constipated. 

Is it okay to take Fybogel if I have diarrhoea?

Fybogel can also help with diarrhoea as it absorbs the excess water in the stools and adds bulk. 

Is Fybogel a laxative?

Fybogel is a laxative and can be taken to treat constipation as well as IBS.

Will Fybogel help haemorrhoids?

If you have haemorrhoids and are passing hard stools then Fybogel can help to soften them and allow you to have a more comfortable bowel movement.

Is long term use of Fybogel sage?

Long term use of Fybogel is only recommended if your doctor has prescribed it. Otherwise, if you have been using Fybogel for 2 weeks and have not noticed any benefit then ask your GP for advice. 

When will I feel better after taking Fybogel?

It may take 2-3 days of taking Fybogel before you feel better. 

Sources

• NHS > Fybogel
• NHS > Buscopan
• WebMD > Lifestyle Changes and IBS
• BUPA > Haemorrhoids