Talking to your doctor about IPF

Take an active role in managing your IPF

It's important to learn as much as you can about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) so you can take proactive steps to manage your condition. Talking with your healthcare team can make all the difference. Your team can include your doctor, pulmonologist, and nurses who specialize in lung diseases. Tell your team about yourself. Express your resolve and determination to manage your condition.

Tips for productive doctor’s appointments

1. Preparing before your doctor’s appointment

• Ask a family member or friend to come with you to the appointment
• Ask your doctor if you can record the appointment, or if a staff member can write down key notes for you

2. Questions to ask your doctor about managing IPF

• What can I do now to start managing my IPF?
• Are there treatment options? What are they?
• Can you tell me the possible benefits of IPF treatment?
• Will there be side effects? If so, what can I do to manage them?

3. Following up after the appointment

• Schedule your next appointment before you leave your doctor’s office
• Use this helpful journal to track your health between doctor’s visits, and to keep you motivated and inspired during IPF treatment
• Download the health tracking journal >

Ask how you could start preserving more lung function by slowing disease progression with Esbriet® (pirfenidone)

• Talk with your doctor to discuss ways to manage your IPF and to support a healthy lifestyle
• Learn more about Esbriet, a treatment option that may help preserve more lung function by slowing disease progression >