CIDP Next Step

Step 1

Reflect on your experience

Prepare for your doctor’s visit by taking specific notes on:

Your symptoms

How they impact you every day and whether they’ve worsened

Your treatment experience

Any side effects, challenges receiving treatment, and whether treatment fits into your routine

Your goals

What’s most important for you both short- and long-term while living with CIDP

Patient buttoning his shirt and getting out of the car.

Step 2

Know your treatment options

Understand the available CIDP treatments and how they are administered. Download this chart to reference at your next appointment.

Go into your appointment informed about the available CIDP treatments:

Treatment	Frequency & Time*	Method^†	Location
IVIg (intravenous immunoglobulin)	~Every 3 weeks for ~3-5 hours	IV infusion (administered by an HCP)	Hospital, doctor’s office, infusion center, home
SCIg (subcutaneous immunoglobulin)	~Every week for ~1-1.5 hours	SC infusion (administered by an HCP or self-administered)	Hospital, doctor’s office, infusion center, home
STEROIDS	Daily or pulsed, and time depends on individual	Oral (self-administered) or IV infusion (administered by an HCP)	Oral: Home IV: Hospital, doctor’s office, infusion center, home
PLASMA EXCHANGE	Depends on individual	IV infusion (administered by an HCP)	Specialized infusion center
FcRn BLOCKERS(neonatal Fc receptor blockers)	Every week for 20-90 seconds, depending on administration method	SC injection (administered by an HCP or self-administered, depending on treatment form)	Doctor’s office, home

*Frequency and time may vary and don’t include preparation or monitoring time.

†All self-administered treatment options can also be administered by a caregiver.

HCP=healthcare professional.

Download this chart to understand how different CIDP treatments may fit into your life. Be sure to reference it during your appointment.

DOWNLOAD CHART

Everyone responds differently to treatments. Ask your care team about how the various treatments work and the right option for you.

Patient in elevator on the way to her doctor’s appointment. Another patient talking to the doctor.

STEP 3

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

You’re the expert on your experience living with CIDP and your strongest advocate. Remember these tips:

1. USE NOTES

Bring notes to guide the conversation, and write down key takeaways—or ask a loved one to help

2. BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Share any treatment challenges, how CIDP symptoms affect your daily life, and the goals you hope to achieve

3. ASK QUESTIONS

Ask about treatment options, and have your doctor explain anything that’s unclear

GET MORE TIPS

You’ll be taken to a CIDP treatment website with resources for your appointment.

Hear from CIDP community members

“I switched treatment because I could give it to myself at home and it didn’t take as long.”
-Rorey, living with CIDP

“I WAS OFF TREATMENT ABOUT A YEAR. WHEN I STARTED HAVING MORE TINGLING AND DRAGGING MY FOOT, I GOT BACK ON TREATMENT.”
-Brandon, living with CIDP

“WHAT PROMPTED ME TO ASK MY DOCTOR ABOUT A DIFFERENT TREATMENT WAS THAT THE OTHER TREATMENTS WERE NO LONGER WORKING FOR ME.”
-Scott, living with CIDP

“I ADVOCATE FOR MYSELF IN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE BY BEING PREPARED. I ALWAYS THINK I’LL REMEMBER, BUT I REALLY NEED TO TRACK MY SYMPTOMS AND WRITE DOWN QUESTIONS.”
-Martha, living with CIDP

“You want a doctor that has empathy and is willing to listen to you. Fortunately my neurologist does.”
-Jack, living with CIDP

“Educating yourself about the treatment options before your doctor’s appointment is key.”
-Diana, living with CIDP

Patient outside his doctor’s office. Another patient on his way to the doctor’s appointment.

MOVE FORWARD

on your journey

You deserve a treatment that supports your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Taking the next step starts with a conversation with your doctor about the right treatment plan for you.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF THIS FDA-APPROVED TREATMENT MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU

START EXPLORING

You’ll be taken to a website about a CIDP treatment option.

Persons featured are paid contributors.

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP