Fybogel Mebeverine Orange Flavour – 10 Sachets

What is Fybogel Mebeverine?

Fybogel Mebeverine Orange Flavour Sachets contain two active ingredients, ispaghula husk and mebeverine hydrochloride, to relieve abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What is the recommended dosage?

Adults and children aged 12 and over should stir the contents of a Fybogel Mebeverine sachet into a glass of cold water (at least 150ml) and drink immediately.

Blockage of the gut may occur if the granules of Fybogel Mebeverine are not prepared with enough liquid, so it is really important to make sure your glass of water is at least 150ml. When preparing the product with your glass of water, it is important to avoid inhaling the powder.

You must not take Fybogel Mebeverine without water, immediately before going to bed, or half an hour to an hour before or after taking any other medicines.

You should take Fybogel Mebeverine half an hour before a meal, once in the morning and once in the evening, unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor. If necessary, an additional sachet may be taken before your midday meal.

If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after two weeks, stop taking Fybogel Mebeverine and consult your doctor for further advice.

How do ispaghula husk and mebeverine hydrochloride help IBS?

Fybogel Mebeverine contains 3.5g of ispaghula husk in each dose, as well as 135mg of mebeverine hydrochloride.

Ispaghula husk is a natural plant material that is high in fibre and can act as a laxative. It works by increasing the bulk of the contents of your gut, helping your digestive system to work normally.

Mebeverine hydrochloride is a type of medicine known as an antispasmodic, working to relieve cramps and spasms in your gut and reducing your abdominal pain.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an extremely common long-term bowel condition that affects around 1 in 5 people in the UK. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:

• Stomach pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Wind
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown, and it can affect anyone. Symptoms often go away for a while and then flare up again – the two most common triggers are usually stress or certain foods.

Is Fybogel Mebeverine suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, you should check with your doctor before taking Fybogel Mebeverine. If you are breastfeeding, you must not take Fybogel Mebeverine.

Is Fybogel Mebeverine suitable for children?

Fybogel Mebeverine is unsuitable for children under the age of 12. For suitable alternatives for your child, please do not hesitate to contact a Health Nest pharmacist for expert advice.

When should this product not be used?

These Fybogel Mebeverine sachets should be safe to use for most adults and children over 12, as long as you follow the recommended dosage. However, you must not use Fybogel Mebeverine if you:

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients
• Are suffering from a blockage of the bowel
• Have muscle weakness or decreased activity of the bowel
• Have difficulty swallowing and/or any throat problems
• Are suffering from severe constipation and/or have passed blood from the bowel
• Have had a sudden change in bowel habit that has persisted for more than 2 weeks

Check with a doctor or Health Nest pharmacist before taking Fybogel Mebeverine if you:

• Are a healthcare worker or caregiver who has been administering ispaghula husk to patients for a long time – you may have become allergic due to continued inhalation of the powder
• Have an inherited condition called phenylketonuria – this product is sweetened with aspartame E951, a source of phenylalanine
• Are aged 40 or over
• Are debilitated
• Have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
• Have lost your appetite or lost weight
• Are looking pale and feeling tired
• Have a fever
• Have recently travelled abroad
• Have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Have difficulty or pain passing urine
• Have been prescribed diuretic medicine or any other medicines that can cause constipation
• Have acute porphyria (a metabolic disorder affecting the production of heme)
• Have reduced kidney function
• Are on a controlled potassium diet
• Are on a low-sodium diet

You must not take Fybogel Mebeverine within half an hour to an hour before or after the following medicines:

• Insulin – if you are diabetic and use insulin, you may need to reduce your dose of insulin if you take Fybogel Mebeverine with meals.
• Medicines for thyroid problems – your doctor may need to change the dose of the thyroid hormones you are taking.

Does Fybogel Mebeverine have any side effects?

As with all medicines, there is a chance that Fybogel Mebeverine may cause side effects, although these will not affect everyone. Side effects can include:

• Allergic reactions, including skin rash, swollen face or breathing problems, or anaphylactic shock – in any case of possible allergic reaction, stop taking Fybogel Mebeverine and consult a doctor immediately
• Flatulence
• Bloating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blockage of the bowel

If you experience any side effects, including any that aren’t listed in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for Fybogel Mebeverine; however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Health Nest pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies are legally required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Fybogel Mebeverine is the best choice for you.

Storage information

Keep out of sight and reach of children and do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack. Store below 30°C and keep in the original packaging.

Important Information

This is a medicinal product. If you have any existing health conditions or are currently taking other medications or supplements, consult your doctor or a Health Nest pharmacist before using it. If your symptoms persist or worsen after use, seek advice from your healthcare provider or contact us. For information on local medical services, visit https://www.nhs.uk.

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. If you have known allergies, confirm with a healthcare professional whether this treatment is suitable for you.

Always store medicines in a safe place, out of sight and reach of children.

Be sure to read the enclosed leaflet thoroughly before use.

If you have any concerns or questions about this product, speak to your GP for further guidance.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over-the-counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the links below for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank – Drug Addiction Help & Support