Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT CONSTIPATION

    What is constipation?

    Constipation, or irregularity, occurs when a person’s bowel movements become difficult or when they occur less frequently than the person is used to. Constipation may occur when stool moves slowly through the colon, which could allow too much water to be removed. This can make the stool hard, dry and difficult to pass. Normal stools are soft and formed, and passed without straining.

    You may experience additional symptoms beyond difficulty with bowel movements, such as abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, and even fatigue, achiness or irritability.

    What can I do to help prevent constipation?

    The good news is there are plenty of ways to help prevent constipation. Adding high-fibre foods, including oats, wheat bran and brown rice, to your diet can help. Natural fibre is also found in apples, apricots, blackberries, prunes, raw carrots, kale and peas. Staying active and exercising to your ability can help keep things moving along. Make sure to consult a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. And the easiest tip: Drink plenty of water and other liquids.

    What causes constipation?

    Some common causes of constipation can include lack of exercise, diet, stress, travel or any other changes in your daily routine.
    Sometimes constipation can just be caused by a slower digestive system. It is also easy to resist the urge to go to the bathroom, especially when things get busy. The unfortunate result: postponing a bowel movement may actually contribute to irregularity.
    Some medical conditions and various medications can contribute to constipation. Some common types of medications could include: pain medications, antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, antispasmodic drugs, antidepressants, supplements containing iron or calcium, anticonvulsants for epilepsy, and drugs for Parkinson's and heart conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding how your medications might be affecting your digestive health.

    How often do most people have a bowel movement?

    There is a wide range of "normal" when it comes to bowel movements. Everyone's normal is different. The average person can go anywhere from three times a day to three times a week. It is important to know what is normal for you, so you can recognize when you are experiencing constipation.

    ABOUT RESTORALAX®

      What is RestoraLAX®?

      RestoraLAX® (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is an effective laxative that helps relieve you from occasional constipation without the side effects of gas, bloating, cramps or sudden urgency. It works by drawing water to the stool, helping to soften and to increase the frequency of bowel movements.

      Does RestoraLAX® cause cramps or gas?

      RestoraLAX® works to restore your body’s natural rhythm. It allows bowel movements to occur more normally and lets you feel relief from occasional constipation without the side effects of cramping, bloating or gas.

      How do I take RestoraLAX®?

      RestoraLAX® is taken once daily. The taste-free and grit-free powder dissolves easily and completely when stirred into 8 oz/250 mL of water or any other non-alcoholic beverage, hot or cold. Each bottle top has a measuring cap, marked to contain 17 grams of powder when filled to the indicated line (white section in cap). Single-dose packets of RestoraLAX® are also available. Ensure that the powder is fully dissolved before drinking. Do not drink if there are any clumps.

      Do not take any type of laxative for more than one week unless recommended by a doctor.

      What time of day should I take RestoraLAX®?

      There is no recommended time of day to take RestoraLAX®. RestoraLAX® should not be taken within 2 hours of another medicine as the desired effect of the other medicine may be reduced.

      Is the MiraLAX ®  brand sold in the USA the same as RestoraLAX ®  sold in Canada?

      MiraLAX® contains the same molecule, PEG 3350, as RestoraLAX® in Canada. RestoraLAX® is recommended by doctors as an effective way to treat constipation.*

      *RestoraLAX® relieves occasional constipation, without the side effects of gas, bloating or cramps. It works to soften the stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements.

      *Use as directed.

      Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about RestoraLAX®.

      How much RestoraLAX® should I take?

      The indicated dose is 17g. To take RestoraLAX®, use the bottle top, as it is a measuring cap. Fill the measuring cap to the top of the white section, which is marked to indicate the correct dose (17g). Adults (>18 years): Take one dose (17g) daily. Stir and dissolve in 8 ounces (250 mL) of beverage (cold, hot or room temperature) and then drink. RestoraLAX® dissolves easily and completely in everyday beverages like water, juice, coffee or tea. Do not take more than directed, unless advised by a doctor. Ensure that the powder is fully dissolved before drinking. Do not drink if there are any clumps. For the RestoraLAX® Mix-in Pax, each packet comes premeasured with 17g doses.

      Can you use RestoraLAX® every day?

      You can use RestoraLAX® for up to seven days. Do not take any type of laxative for more than one (1) week, unless recommended by a doctor. Overuse or extended use of any laxative may cause dependence for bowel function.

      Can I give RestoraLAX® to kids?

      The safety and efficacy of RestoraLAX® for use in children under 18 years of age have not been established. Do not use in children (18 years of age or under), unless advised by a doctor.

      ABOUT RESTORAFIBRE®

        What is RestoraFIBRE® and how does it work?

        RestoraFIBRE® has the soluble fibre called inulin, which is both a prebiotic and a fibre. It helps encourage growth of healthy bacteria. When fed well, these bacteria help to maintain a healthy gut and support a healthy digestive system.

        How many RestoraFIBRE® gummies should I take?

        While fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good sources of naturally occurring fibre, taking two RestoraFIBRE® Gummies twice daily will help you get additional fibre you may need.

        Does RestoraFIBRE® have side effects?

        Some common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating or cramps. Hypersensitivity has been known to occur. If symptoms worsen, consult a health care practitioner.

        Does RestoraFIBRE® contain gluten?

        According to the RestoraFIBRE® product labels, gluten is not listed as a medicinal or non-medicinal ingredient. As raw materials for each product are sourced from various suppliers, Bayer Inc. cannot guarantee that an excipient of, or chemical used in the manufacture of, RestoraFIBRE® has not come into contact with gluten at some stage. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that RestoraFIBRE® products are completely free of gluten.

        RestoraFIBRE® Junior

          How many RestoraFIBRE® Junior gummies to take?

          As per the RestoraFIBRE® Junior product label, the directions are: Children 4-6 years old: Chew 3 gummies per day. Children 7 years and older: Chew 2 gummies twice a day. Take with at least 250mL of liquid and 2 hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products.

          RestoraFIBRE+6 in 1

            What are the medicinal ingredients in RestoraFIBRE+ ?

            Medicinal Ingredients (Per Gummy)Amount
            Inulin (Cichorium intybus (Chicory) - Root)2 g
            Vitamin E (dl-alpha Tocopheryl acetate)3.4 mg AT
            Niacin (Niacinamide)10 mg
            Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)1 mg
            Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)2.5 mcg/µg
            Pantothenic acid (Calcium D-pantothenate)1.25 mg
            Chromium (Chromium (III) picolinate)30 mcg/µg

            * For minerals, the medicinal ingredient quantity represents the amount of the element per dosage unit.

            How many RestoraFIBRE®+ gummies to take?

            As per the RestoraFIBRE+ product label, the directions are : ADULTS (19 YEARS AND OVER): Chew 2 gummies twice a day. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 6 months.

            What is RestoraFIBRE® + used for?

            Helps provide gentle relief of constipation and/or irregularity. Helps stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria (such as
            bifidobacteria) in the intestine/gut. Helps support and maintain a healthy digestive system. Helps to support: 

            • Immune function
            • Normal blood glucose levels
            • The body’s ability to metabolize nutrients
            • Source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health

            Should I consult a healthcare professional before taking RestoraFIBRE® + 6 in 1?

            • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
            • Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if • you are experiencing a sudden change in bowel habits that has persisted for more than 2 weeks, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, or have failed to defaecate following the use of a laxative product • you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever (as these could be signs of other serious conditions) • you have diabetes.
            • Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen or if laxative effect does not occur within 7 days.
            • Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 6 months.
            • May cause temporary gas and/or bloating. Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs.