Tips for a Healthy Conversation
Be Descriptive
Many people are too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their healthcare provider. Remember though, that your healthcare provider is a professional, who's likely heard it all before. The reality is, no one can describe your symptoms better than you, and your healthcare provider can't truly help you if you don't fully describe how your symptoms impact you. So come to your appointment prepared to share.
Paint the Picture
- For your next visit with your healthcare provider, bring your completed Treatment Conversation Guide and remember to ask questions
- It is important to discuss your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them at the beginning of your appointment
- Ask your healthcare provider about all of your treatments, including prescription medication and be sure to mention what medicine you've already tried
- If you feel uneasy discussing your symptoms with your doctor alone, consider bringing someone you trust to your appointment
- Write down whatever triggers your symptoms, including specific events and/or food items
Want to know if your bowel problems may be IBS with Constipation? Simply fill in this Symptom Tracker for 3 weeks and take the results with you to your next medical appointment. Your completed tracker may help your healthcare provider manage your symptoms.
Not sure how to talk with your healthcare provider about your IBS with Constipation? This section includes a Treatment Conversation Guide to help with that conversation. Here, you can answer questions about your symptoms and keep track of how they affect you. There's even an area where you can write down next steps. Just remember, the more information you give your healthcare provider, the more likely they will be able to help you. So come prepared to share.
Find Out If AMITIZA May Be Right for You
AMITIZA (8 mcg) twice daily is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for IBS with Constipation in women 18 years of age and older. AMITIZA is approved to relieve the overall symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in adult women, which includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, bowel habits, and other IBS symptoms.
So, if you think you might have IBS-C, ask your doctor if AMITIZA may be right for you.
Indication
AMITIZA (8 mcg) twice daily is approved to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women 18 years of age and older.
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 (8 mcg) twice daily, pink capsules for IBS-C are nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These are not all the side effects associated with AMITIZA.
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
Please click here for complete Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
