FiberCon

FiberCon is a laxative that adds more water to your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

FiberCon is used to treat constipation and to help keep your bowel movements regular.

FiberCon may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

FiberCon is usually taken 1 to 4 times per day. Use it exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor prescribes. Do not use more or less than recommended, or for longer than advised. Overusing a laxative may damage the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or another liquid. Then drink one more glass of water.

The chewable tablet form of polycarbophil must be chewed before you swallow it. After chewing and swallowing the tablet, drink a full glass of water.

Taking FiberCon without enough liquid may cause the tablet to swell in your throat and lead to choking, especially in older adults.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing after taking this medicine.

Drink plenty of fluids each day while you are taking FiberCon.

You should have a bowel movement within 12 hours to 3 days.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all the instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use FiberCon if you are allergic to FiberCon or to mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, or povidone (such as Betadine).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• trouble swallowing;
• stomach pain with nausea or vomiting;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• a history of bleeding from your rectum;
• a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer; or
• if you have been constipated for more than 1 week.

Ask your doctor before taking FiberCon if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before taking FiberCon if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not give this medicine to a young child without the advice of a doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

FiberCon may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach cramps, rectal bleeding; or
• no bowel movement within 3 days after using FiberCon.

Common side effects of FiberCon may include:

• mild stomach pain;
• bloating; or
• gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since FiberCon is taken as needed, you may not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take FiberCon within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take any other medicines. A laxative can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines.

Other drugs may interact with polycarbophil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.