Questions to ask your doctor about targeted therapy

You may want to make a list of questions before appointments and include some of these questions:

• Is targeted therapy available as part of my treatment plan? If not, why not?
• Which targeted therapy drug are you recommending? Does it have different names?
• Will it be my only treatment, or will I also have other treatments?
• How much will targeted therapy cost? Is there any way to reduce the cost if I can’t afford it?
• Are there any clinical trials that would give me access to new types of targeted therapy?
• How often am I likely to have targeted therapy?
• How long will I receive targeted therapy?
• Where will I have targeted therapy? Will I need to come to the hospital or treatment centre for an IV infusion or injection, or will I be taking tablets or capsules at home?
• If I am taking the treatment at home, can I get the prescription filled at any pharmacy?
• What should I do if the pharmacy cannot fill my prescription?
• Do I have to be careful with over-the-counter medicines or supplements? What food/drinks should I avoid while taking targeted therapy?
• What should I do if I forget to take the targeted therapy drug?
• What side effects should I watch out for or report?
• Who do I contact if I get side effects?
• How can side effects be managed?
• Will the drugs affect my immune system?
• Can I still have vaccinations?