Description

How does Fybogel Mebeverine work?

Ispaghula husk is a naturally soluble fibre which comes from Plantago seeds. It increases the fibre and fluid within the bowel and eases the symptoms of constipation by helping gut contents move through the bowel more easily. Ispaghula husk is also available over the counter as regular Fybogel.

Mebeverine is an anticholinergic medicine which relaxes the bowel spasm, whilst allowing the gut to continue to function. This helps relieve IBS symptoms of pain, bloating, excessive wind, and cramping. Mebeverine is also available on its own as Colofac.

Who can take Fybogel Mebeverine?
Fybogel mebeverine is especially suitable for people with IBS who suffer constipation symptoms and pain from bowel spasms, wind, and bloating.

It is important to be sure that your symptoms are caused by IBS and not something more serious. Check with your GP before using Fybogel mebeverine if any of the following apply:

• Changed or new symptoms including a new change in bowel habit lasting over 2 weeks.
• Over 40 years old with first symptoms.
• New symptoms especially bloating in women.
• New symptoms of blood in your stool or motions.
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting or loss of appetite
• Losing weight without dieting.
• Pale and tired.
• Running a high temperature (fever).
• Travelled abroad recently.
• Are or may be pregnant.
• Kidney problems, urinary symptoms or taking a diuretic.

Fybogel Mebeverine is not suitable for people with/who are:

• Known or suspected allergy or sensitivity to ispaghula (more likely if you are a caregiver who regularly prepares Fybogel products).
• Bowel blockage or bowel muscle weakness.
• Swallowing problems.
• Breastfeeding.
• Unable to drink plenty of fluid (taking Fybogel without fluids can lead to bowel blockages).
• Phenylketonuria.
• Acute porphyria.

Fybogel Mebeverine is licensed to treat adults and children from 12 years of age, however, Dr Fox can supply treatment to adults only.

Taking Fybogel Mebeverine with other medicines
Fybogel Mebeverine can be safely taken with most other medicines. Do not take other antispasmodics, e.g. Spasmonal (alverine), Buscopan (hyoscine) at the same time.

Discuss with your GP before using Fybogel Mebeverine if you are also taking any medication that causes fluid loss (diuretics) or can lead to constipation (e.g. opiate painkillers).

Discuss with your GP before using if you are a diabetic on insulin, or if you take thyroid hormones as the doses may need altering.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
In general, all medication should be avoided whilst trying for pregnancy, and when pregnant or breastfeeding.

The manufacturer advises not to use Fybogel Mebeverine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects of Fybogel Mebeverine

Most people experience no side effects with Fybogel Mebeverine.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids, whilst using Fybogel Mebeverine sachets, to prevent the Fybogel bulking too much and causing a bowel blockage.

A few people, especially those preparing Fybogel or Fybogel Mebeverine sachets regularly (e.g. caregivers), can become sensitized to the ispaghula through inhaling the powder. Allergy/hypersensitivity reactions can then develop. These include itching, nettle rash/hives, nose running, watery eyes/conjunctivitis, swollen lips and face (angioedema), difficulty breathing and rarely life-threatening anaphylaxis. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using Fybogel and consult your GP or in an emergency phone the 111 or 999 service in the UK.

Further information on side effects can be found in the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

How to take Fybogel Mebeverine
One Fybogel Mebeverine sachet should be taken twice a day (morning and evening) half an hour before meals. An extra sachet can be taken at midday if needed.

The orange-flavoured granules from the sachet should be stirred into a glass of cold water (at least 150mls) and drunk straight away. Do not inhale the powder, as this can cause serious allergy to ispaghula to develop.

Leave an hour between taking Fybogel Mebeverine and other medication.

Do not take it just before going to sleep.

Fybogel Mebeverine may take up to 24 hours to affect the system. If there has been no improvement in your symptoms after 2 weeks then stop using Fybogel mebeverine and consult your GP.

Other measures to help symptoms of IBS

Diarrhoea and bloating – reduce insoluble fibre like bran, wholegrain bread, and brown rice. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and gas-producing foods like beans and cabbage.

Constipation – try adding more soluble fibre like oats and linseed, or soluble fibre supplements like Fybogel (ispaghula). Increase the soluble fibre gradually or bloating and wind may get worse. It may take several weeks for optimal benefits.

Regular physical activity is also helpful for the bowels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days per week.

It is also important to drink plenty of fluids (at least 8 cups per day) when constipated, especially if taking Fybogel.

Further information

• NHS – IBS – Diet, lifestyle and medicines
• NHS – Mebeverine