Frequently asked questions

About FiberCon

• How do I take FiberCon?

  Adults and children 12 years of age and over, take 2 caplets per dose. Do not take more than 8 caplets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. Take each dose of FiberCon with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Taking FiberCon without enough liquid may cause choking. FiberCon has the natural action of fiber, so continued use for 1 to 3 days is normally required to provide full benefit. Dosage may vary according to diet, exercise, previous laxative use, or severity of constipation. Do not use for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. If you think you have IBS, talk to your doctor.

  Read directions thoroughly and use as directed. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing.

• What type of fiber is in FiberCon and how is it different than the psyllium fiber in Metamucil?

  Fiber is the non‑digestible portion of plant foods that plays a critical role in digestion. There are two different categories that all fiber products fall into: soluble or insoluble and fermentable or non fermentable. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, whereas insoluble fiber does not. The fiber in FiberCon is insoluble; the psyllium fiber in Metamucil contains soluble fibers. FiberCon with calcium polycarbophil contains only 100% non fermentable fiber, so none of it ferments to cause excess gas, while psyllium is known to be subject to some fermentation in the GI tract.

• How long does it take FiberCon to work?

  FiberCon generally produces a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.

• How long can FiberCon be used? Can I use it every day?

  Laxative products, including FiberCon, shouldn’t be used for longer than one week unless you’re directed to do so by your physician. If you encounter a situation in which you find that you need a product like FiberCon for a longer period of time, we recommend that you contact your doctor for advice on the possible causes of the situation and the most appropriate course of action. If appropriate, a physician may advise you to use the product on a daily basis. Consult your doctor to determine if a more regimented use of FiberCon is appropriate for you.

• Can I take FiberCon with a low‑carb diet?

  Yes. By chemical definition, calcium polycarbophil is not a carbohydrate and will not increase the blood sugar level when ingested. It is an excellent product for addressing occasional constipation that may arise with dietary changes.

• I am traveling abroad. What other countries will carry this product? Is it the same?

  FiberCon^® is not widely available internationally. It is recommended that you plan ahead for any trip you are taking by bringing FiberCon^® with you.

• What sizes are available?

  90 count or 140 count packages

• What are the names of the major retailers that sell FiberCon?

  FiberCon^® should generally be available through all grocery, drug, mass merchandiser, and convenience stores that regularly sell over‑the‑counter medications. If your retailer does not carry FiberCon^®, be sure to ask them to order it.

• What is the history of FiberCon?

  FiberCon^® has been on the market since January of 1987 and is one of the first bulk‑forming laxatives offered in an oral caplet form.

About Constipation

• What is occasional constipation?

  Constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened stools. If you encounter a situation in which you find that you need a product like FiberCon for a longer period of time, we recommend that you contact your doctor for advice on the possible causes of the situation and the most appropriate course of action. If appropriate, a physician may advise you to use the product on a daily basis. Consult your doctor to determine if a more regimented use of FiberCon is appropriate for you.

• How does fiber help with constipation?

  Fiber adds bulk to the stool and softens it by absorbing water. This helps you pass stools easily, without straining, on a regular basis, which is what normal regularity is all about. Without enough fiber the body can experience bouts of constipation which may lead to other health problems. That’s where fiber therapy like FiberCon^® comes in. It mimics and adds to the effects of normally occurring dietary fiber by helping you maintain and control regular bowel function (or regularity) through supplementation.

• What is fiber therapy?

  For some people, the naturally occurring fiber found in foods like apples, broccoli, and sweet potatoes is enough to keep them regular. Others need a little help to keep things moving! That’s where fiber therapy (like FiberCon^®!) comes in. Also known as bulk‑forming laxatives, fiber therapy products work in a safe and gentle way and act like natural fiber to help you control and maintain regularity. They do not contain chemical stimulants.

• What is a bulk‑forming laxative?

  Bulk‑forming laxatives act by providing bulk and moisture to stools for easier, more frequent elimination. Calcium polycarbophil, the active ingredient in FiberCon, adds bulk to the stool by absorbing water. Calcium polycarbophil absorbs about 60 times its weight in water.