Talking With Your Health Care Team

Learn how to talk about getting—and staying—unstuck with PROMACTA

Taking an active role during health care appointments

Are you making the most of your doctor appointments? By taking time to prepare beforehand, you can take a more active role in your health care discussions and treatment decisionsmaking sure every minute counts! Here are some tips to get you started:

 

Think ahead. Write out any questions you may have or topics you want to discuss. The Doctor Discussion Guide may be useful to help you organize your thoughts. 

Bring a friend. Having a trusted friend or family member come along for support may be helpful. 

Take notes. It may be difficult to remember everything you hear, so bring a notebook with you. By writing things down, you can review what youve learned later.

Don’t be shy. If you don’t understand something or if you don’t feel like your questions were answered, speak up.

Keep a health journal. Write down symptoms and side effects as they occur, and bring this information to your appointment. It may help your doctor better understand your day-to-day experiences with PROMACTA® (eltrombopag) and your condition.

 

Click for what to ask and share
Suggestions are provided to help you join in conversations with your doctor.

What to ask

  • How do I find a dosing schedule that works for me?
  • Where can I find information about the calcium and magnesium content in foods?
  • I’m having difficulty with ___. What has worked for other people?

 

What to share

  • My current daily routine
  • What foods I’m eating
  • Anything affecting my ability to take PROMACTA as prescribed

What to ask

  • What specific signs or symptoms should I report to you right away?
  • What side effects can I expect?
  • Who should I contact if I’m having trouble with side effects?
  • How should I be tracking my side effects?
  • Does ITP cause fatigue?

 

What to share

  • Any side effects I’m having
  • How I’m managing any current side effects
  • How I’ve felt since my last visit

What to ask

  • How can I connect with other people who have persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)?
  • Is there an ITP support group I could join?
  • Who should I contact in your office if I have issues or concerns?

 

What to share

  • How I feel about living with ITP
  • The kind of support I need
  • How I am currently taking care of myself emotionally

What to ask

  • What is the best way to reach you with concerns or questions I have?
  • What kinds of health information should I be tracking?
  • What other helpful information can I share?

 

What to share

  • My treatment goals
  • What I need from my doctor
  • Any concerns or issues I’m having with my condition or treatment

Ready to take a more active role in your treatment discussions? Read these additional Questions for Your Doctor that have been provided by the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA). 

Get unstuck from ITP. Ask your doctor if PROMACTA is right for you

Download this Doctor Discussion Guide PDF