Collect Your Information
After the appointment is set, it is time to start preparing for the meeting. That means listening to your body, and taking note of all your symptoms. Remember, when it comes to diagnosing and treating your condition, knowledge is power. So, the more descriptive you are during your appointment, the more your doctor can help. Begin preparing for your visit by downloading the Chronic Constipation Treatment Conversation Guide. It's also a good idea to print it out and fill it in. Then bring the completed form with you to your appointment, to share with your doctor.
You can also get ready for your appointment by downloading the Symptom Tracker. This tool will help you prepare your notes in advance of the appointment. Be sure to fill it out over the next 3 weeks and bring it with you.
Want to know if your bowel problems may be Chronic Constipation? Simply fill in this Symptom Tracker for 3 weeks and take the results with you to your next medical appointment. One good look at your completed tracker and your doctor will have information to help make a diagnosis.
Not sure how to talk with your doctor about your Chronic Constipation? This section includes a Treatment Conversation Guide to help make that conversation easier. Here, you can answer questions about your condition and keep track of how it affects you. There's even an area where you can write down next steps. Just remember, the more information you give your doctor, the more likely they will be able to help you. So come prepared to share.
Commit to Finding More Information
If you're experiencing the symptoms of Chronic Constipation, but have not yet been diagnosed, make an appointment to speak to your doctor, and commit yourself to getting an answer.
Find tips on how to prepare for your visit and speak to your doctor.
Talk to Your Doctor About AMITIZA
As part of your Chronic Constipation treatment plan, your doctor may have prescribed certain dietary and lifestyle changes to you, including:
- An increase in dietary fiber intake
- An increase in fluid intake
- Exercise
- Use of over-the-counter and prescription laxatives
These changes may not be enough, and the symptoms of Chronic Constipation may persist.
Listen to your body, call your doctor, and make an appointment to discuss your condition.
When you're there, make sure to ask about possible treatments, including AMITIZA, the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults with Chronic Constipation. Of course, only your doctor can determine if AMITIZA is right for you.
Indication
AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily is approved to treat Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in adults. "Idiopathic" means the cause of the constipation is unknown and not due to an underlying illness or medication.
Important Safety Information
AMITIZA is not for everyone. If you know or suspect you have a bowel blockage, do not take AMITIZA. If you are unsure, your healthcare provider should evaluate your condition before starting AMITIZA. You should not take AMITIZA if you have severe diarrhea.
AMITIZA has not been studied in pregnant women and should only be used during a pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus. Women should have a negative pregnancy test before beginning treatment with AMITIZA and need to practice effective birth control measures. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with AMITIZA, talk to your healthcare provider to evaluate the risks to the fetus.
Some patients taking AMITIZA may experience nausea or diarrhea. If nausea occurs, take AMITIZA with food. If your nausea or diarrhea becomes severe, tell your healthcare provider.
Within an hour of taking AMITIZA, a sensation of chest tightness and shortness of breath may occur. These symptoms usually go away within three hours, but may recur with repeated use. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
The most common side effects of taking AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily, orange capsules for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation are nausea, diarrhea, and headache. These are not all the side effects associated with AMITIZA.
