Fybogel Special Precautions

The product should not be taken dry and should always be taken mixed with fluid (5 fluid ounces or 150 mL of water or other liquid per sachet).
Ispaghula husk should not be used by patients with faecal impaction and symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting unless advised by a doctor because these symptoms can be signs of potential or existing intestinal blockage (ileus).
If abdominal pain occurs or in cases of any irregularity of faeces, the use of psyllium seed should be discontinued and medical advice must be sought.
When taken with inadequate fluid amounts, bulk forming agents can cause obstruction of the throat and oesophagus with choking and intestinal obstruction. Symptoms can be chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
The treatment of debilitated patients and / or elderly patients requires medical supervision.
In order to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction ispaghula husk should not be used together with medicinal products known to inhibit peristaltic movement (e.g. opioids) and then only under medical supervision.
The last dose should not be taken immediately before going to sleep since impaired or reduced gastric motility may impair the intestinal passage and then cause sub-obstruction.
This medicine contains 16mg aspartame in each sachet.
Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up because the body cannot remove it properly.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) in each sachet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
This medicine contains 0.25 mmol (or 9.76 mg) potassium per sachet. To be taken into consideration by patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet.
If symptoms persist longer than 3 days, the patient should consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
Warning on hypersensitivity reactions: In individuals with continued occupational contact to powder of Plantago ovata seeds (i.e. healthcare workers, caregivers) allergic sensitization may occur due to inhalation, this is more frequent in atopic individuals. This sensitization usually leads to hypersensitivity reactions which could be serious (see Adverse Reactions).
It is recommended to assess clinically the possible sensitization of individuals at risk and, if justified, to perform specific diagnostic tests.
In case of proven sensitisation leading to hypersensitivity reactions, exposure to the product should be stopped immediately and avoided in the future (see Contraindications).
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Fybogel Orange has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Use in Children: Use is not recommended in children below 6 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy. Laxative bulk producers should be used before using other purgatives if change of nutrition is not successful.