Crohn's disease and anti-inflammatory medicine: what to know

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in parts of the digestive tract. Medicines prescribed for the condition are selected to calm that inflammation and maintain remission. They are different from over-the-counter painkillers that are also described as anti-inflammatory. A medicine that helped a joint or muscle problem may not be suitable when you have Crohn's disease, so check before taking it.

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea can occur during active disease, but those symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves. A clinician may review your history, examination and blood test results before adjusting treatment.

Keep taking prescribed Crohn's disease medicine as directed and do not stop it suddenly without advice. Tell your GP or gastroenterology team about every prescription, supplement and painkiller you use. Ask which option is appropriate for fever, headache, joint pain or a flare, and follow the written plan you were given. Drink regularly if diarrhoea is present and record changes in pain, stool pattern, appetite and weight so your clinician can see the trend.

Arrange prompt medical advice if symptoms are worsening, persistent or different from your usual pattern, especially with repeated diarrhoea, increasing abdominal pain, fever or reduced ability to eat and drink. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, heavy rectal bleeding or inability to keep fluids down. These signs need assessment rather than extra self-medication.

Ask whether your current medicine is intended to control inflammation, relieve pain or both; what to do if symptoms break through; which painkillers to avoid; and whether a blood test or GP consultation is needed before a change.