Preparing for Your Doctor Visit
There are several types of healthcare providers who may treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C):
A primary care physician, a gastroenterologist (GAH-stro-en-tuh-RAW-luh-jist), a physician assistant, and/or a nurse practitioner.
- A primary care physician who treats adults is usually an internist or a family care physician.
- A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the digestive tract and sees numerous cases of IBS-C.
- Physician assistants are healthcare providers who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision.
- Nurse practitioners are advanced-practice nurses who are licensed to practice medicine.
Collect Your Information
After the appointment is set, it is time to start preparing for the meeting. That means 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 healthcare provider can help you find relief. Begin preparing for your visit by downloading the 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 healthcare provider.
You can also get ready for your appointment by downloading the Symptom Tracker. This tool can 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 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.
Commit to Finding More Information
If you're experiencing IBS-C, make an appointment to speak to your healthcare provider, and commit yourself to getting an answer. Only then can you begin to get the help you need. Find tips on how to prepare for your visit and speak to your healthcare provider.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider About AMITIZA
As part of your IBS-C treatment plan, your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to you, including:
- An increase in dietary fiber intake
- Reducing your stress levels
- Practicing relaxation therapies
These changes may not work for everyone, and the symptoms of IBS-C may persist. If this has happened to you, don't suffer in silence. Call your healthcare provider and make an appointment to talk about how you're feeling. Make sure to ask about possible treatments, such as AMITIZA, the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for IBS-C in adult women. Your doctor can determine 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.
