If you have Crohn’s or Colitis, you may be prescribed medicine as part of your treatment. You might be starting a new medicine, changing treatment, or taking medicines long-term. This information can help you understand your treatment plan and manage your medicines.
This information is about medicines in general. It does not replace advice from your IBD team.
Where we use the word ‘Colitis’ in this resource, we mean Ulcerative Colitis and Microscopic Colitis.
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Right now, there are no cures for Crohn’s or Colitis. But there are medicines that can help you feel well.
Medicines can work well to treat your symptoms. They can help stop your condition getting worse or causing other problems.
Many medicines used for Crohn’s or Colitis work by easing inflammation in the gut.
Different medicines are used for different reasons. And your treatment may change over time. Medicines may be used to:
A flare-up is when your symptoms come back and you feel unwell. Medicines can help to ease inflammation in your gut and get your Crohn’s or Colitis under control. This is also called inducing remission.
Some people take medicines for a long time to keep their symptoms under control. This is called maintenance therapy. Your IBD team may advise you to take medicine even if you feel well. This is because inflammation can be in your gut even if you do not have symptoms. The inflammation could cause other problems if it’s not kept under control.
Some people still need medicine after surgery. This may be to lower the risk of inflammation coming back. Or it may be because inflammation is still in other parts of the gut or body.
Several different types of medicines are used to treat Crohn’s and Colitis. These include:
The medicine your IBD team recommends may depend on:
There may also be other factors that your IBD team consider.
Some medicines are only used if others have not worked.
One thing I have learned is that if a type of medicine does not work, try not to stress. There are so many options out there, it may just take some time to find the right one for you.
You may notice that the same medicine can have different names. This is because different companies can make the same medicine and give it a different name. Medicines can have:
If several companies make and sell the same medicine, it will have several different brand names. For example, different brand names for the 5-ASA, mesalazine include:
For many medicines, it may not matter which type you take. But for some, different types work in different ways.
Different types of the same medicine can contain different inactive ingredients. These ingredients do not treat your condition.
For most medicines, these differences in inactive ingredients are small. So the medicines still work in the same way and there is no difference between types. This includes generic and branded names.
For some medicines, it can matter which version you have. Inactive ingredients may help to make the medicine into other forms, such as:
They can also give the medicine a particular colour or affect how it breaks down in your body. For example, some brands of mesalazine come in formulations that all target different parts of the gut.
For this reason, your doctor may decide to prescribe a particular brand. You can read more in the section about different forms of medicines.
Your IBD team will explain if you can take any version of your medicine, or if you should always take the same one. The type and brand you are prescribed may also depend on :
Read more about the difference between branded and generic medicines on the NHS website.
Some medicines used for Crohn’s and Colitis are called biologic medicines. They help to lower inflammation.
Biologic medicines are made using living cells. Each manufacturer uses its own unique process and cells to make the medicine. This means that biologic medicines made by different manufacturers can never be exactly the same.
A biosimilar is a medicine that is very similar to an existing biologic medicine. The original version of the medicine is called the originator. Other brands of the same medicine are called biosimilars.
Example of biosimilars
Remicade was the first brand of infliximab, so it’s the originator.
Biosimilars of Remicade include:
A biosimilar has to meet strict standards to be approved for use. These standards show that it’s as safe and effective as the original biologic medicine. Because of this, biosimilars can be used in place of your usual medicine.
You may sometimes be changed to a different biosimilar. For example, if your usual medicine becomes unavailable or there is a less expensive version available.
For more information on biosimilars, see our information on biologic medicines.
Some of the medicines prescribed for Crohn’s and Colitis come in different forms. This means they can be taken in different ways to help them work better.
Your IBD team will recommend the best form of medicine for treating your Crohn’s or Colitis. They will also explain exactly how to take your medicine.
Many medicines used to treat Crohn’s and Colitis come in a tablet, capsule or granule form. These are oral medicines, which means they are taken by mouth.
A medicine that you swallow will usually start to dissolve very quickly. But, some of the tablets and capsules have a special ‘gastro-resistant’ coating. This helps stop the tablet from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It makes sure the medicine is released in the right part of your gut. This is usually the small bowel or colon.
Your IBD team or pharmacist will tell you how to take your medicine. You can also find this information on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Different medicines can have different instructions. It’s important that you follow the advice you’re given, as this can affect how your medicine works. For example, you may be advised to:
If you see tablets or capsules in your poo, stoma output or in the toilet, let your IBD team know. Sometimes this is expected, because the medicine has been absorbed and only the capsule shell is left. But seeing some medicines in your poo could mean it has not been absorbed properly.
Topical treatments are applied directly to the affected part of the body. These treatments may be given if the inflammation is in the lower part of your bowel. This can be reached through your bottom.
Steroids and aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are sometimes given topically.
Topical treatments come in different forms, including:
Topical treatments may take time and practice to get used to. Some people may feel unsure, embarrassed or uncomfortable when they first start using them.
Using this treatment may become easier as you get more familiar with it. Taking your time and following the instructions carefully can help.
If you are struggling to use your medicine, speak to your IBD team. They can help you find ways to make treatment easier or more comfortable.
Suppositories are solid medicines that are small and bullet-shaped. You use your finger to put them directly into your bottom.
They are usually covered in a waxy substance that dissolves at body temperature. As it dissolves, it releases the medicine in the area that needs it.
It’s important to follow the instructions that come with your medicine. They will explain exactly how to use it. The instructions for different medicines may vary. In general:
Enemas are liquids that you put into your bottom using an applicator. It may come as a tablet and liquid that you mix together. The instructions in the medicine will explain this. It is important to follow the instructions that come with your medicine, as different medicines may vary.
You usually take enemas before you go to bed.
Tips for using enemas:
Rectal foams are foams that you put into your bottom with an applicator.
Tips for using rectal foams:
If you have inflammation on the surface of your skin, an ointment or cream may be helpful. Tacrolimus is a medicine available in ointment form and may be used to treat perianal Crohn’s. This is Crohn’s that affects the area of skin around your bottom.
Some medicines are given by injection or infusion. An infusion is when a medicine is slowly delivered into a vein. This is also known as a drip.
You may be given an injection or infusion if the medicine:
You may have injections at home or in hospital. You may be taught to inject the medicine yourself. If you inject yourself, your medicine will come as pre-filled syringes or pens.
Infusions are usually given in hospital.
For some medicines, your first dose may be given as an infusion in hospital before you move on to injections at home. Other medicines are only given by injections and do not need an infusion.
Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will arrange for you to be taught how to inject yourself at home. The training might be given by your homecare medicine service. This is a company that may deliver your medicine. Some homecare medicine services can do virtual appointments.
Your medicine for injection may be delivered to your home. Read more in the section about getting your medicine.
Some medicines must be kept in the fridge and allowed to reach room temperature before use. Your IBD team or homecare medicine service will explain how to store and use your medicine safely. Always read the instructions that come with your medicine.
It can feel scary to inject yourself, especially at first. Some people may feel anxious about needles or worry about doing the injection correctly. With time and practice you may feel more confident.
You do not have to manage this alone. Your IBD team and homecare medicine service are there to:
Some people also find relaxation or distractions can help with a fear of needles. Read more about managing a fear of needles.
If you are not comfortable injecting yourself, tell your IBD team or homecare medicine service. They may be able to:
Your IBD team might give you a choice of different medicines to treat your Crohn’s or Colitis. Before deciding to take any medicine, it’s important that you think about:
Your IBD team may give you choices. But you do not have to make this decision on your own. They will help you make the decision together about what is best for you. If you do not feel able to make the decision, let them know. They can support and advise you.
"One thing I have learned is that if a type of medicine does not work, try not to stress. There are so many options out there, it may just take some time to find the right one."
You might find it helpful to prepare before any appointments with your IBD team. Our appointment guide has some questions you might want to ask your IBD team about the medicines being offered. It also has space to write down some questions of your own.
You may want to ask about:
If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, it’s important that you tell your IBD team. Some medicines may not be suitable for you. For more details see our information on pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility.
You can learn more about the different medicines used for Crohn’s and Colitis:
Some people with Crohn’s or Colitis use more than one medicine at a time to manage their condition. This is called combination therapy.
Taking more than one medicine can also increase the risk of side effects. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of combination therapy with your IBD team. They can help you decide on the right treatment for you.
It’s common to have questions about the safety of your medicines. Especially when starting a new medicine or taking a medicine for a long time.
Before new medicines are used in the UK, they go through strict research and clinical trials involving thousands of people. This process can take many years. For more information on clinical trials, see our page on how we talk about the effectiveness of medicines.
In the UK, medicines are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA demands very high standards from the companies that make medicines. It will only give a licence when it is sure that a medicine meets all its safety and quality requirements. Visit the MHRA website for more information about its work.
All medicines have the potential to cause side effects. This includes medicines for Crohn’s and Colitis. But not everyone gets side effects. And being unwell can also cause harm and lead to more problems.
When recommending a treatment, your IBD team will carefully weigh up the benefits and risks for your personal situation. You may also have regular check-ups while you are taking treatment. Read more about this in the section about tests and checks during treatment.
If you have any concerns about your treatment, speak to your IBD team. They can explain why a medicine has been recommended for you, and the risks and benefits. This may help you feel more comfortable with your treatment decisions.
It’s important to know the possible side effects of your medicine. These may be mild and go away once your body has got used to the medicine. Or they may be more severe and mean you have to stop taking the medicine.
"I find it useful to keep an ongoing record of any side effects and the frequency that they occur so I can discuss them clearly and accurately with my IBD team later."
Speak to your IBD team if you have any concerns about side effects. They can explain:
You can find out more about the side effects for medicines used to treat Crohn’s and Colitis in our individual medicine information.
We encourage you to report any side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can do this through the Yellow Card scheme online or by downloading the MHRA Yellow Card app. This helps collect important safety information about medicines.
Some people may get side effects that have not yet been recorded in any information. It can be helpful to write down when you started taking a medicine and when any new symptoms began. This may help you and your healthcare team work out if a new symptom could be a side effect.
"It has taken me a long time, many years, to accept I have to take medication on a long-term basis and adhere to my medication regime. If I am suffering from a flare-up I already feel ill so taking new medication is particularly hard as I may have to cope with side effects too. Accepting this and understanding that I am doing this to get better in the long-term helps me."
You might have regular check-ups while taking your medicine. This helps your IBD team check that:
The type of checks and tests you have, and how often you have them, will vary. It can depend on the medicine you have, the dose, and your response to the medicine.
Checks and tests could include:
Your IBD team will explain:
This information will often be included in a letter to you and your GP.
Our individual medicine pages have more information on check-ups for specific medicines.
It is very important to tell your doctor and IBD team about any other medicines, treatments or therapies you are taking. This includes
It is a good idea to take a list of all your medicines, including dosages, to your appointments. Our appointment guide has space to note down what medicines you are taking or have tried before.
Everyone is different, and you may not be able to avoid every side effect from your medicine. But there are things you may be able to do help lower the risk and stay safe. This depends on the medicine you take.
Many medicines used to treat Crohn’s and Colitis are immunosuppressants. These are medicines that change how the immune system works.
Immunosuppressants used to treat Crohn’s and Colitis include:
These medicines can change how your body responds to certain things. For example, you may be more likely to get serious infections. You may also be more sensitive to sunlight.
There are things you can do to lower these risks. You can read more about this in our information on immunosuppressant precautions.
If you are not sure whether your medicine affects your immune system, read our individual medicine information or ask your IBD team.
5-ASAs, also called aminosalicylates, are other medicines used for Crohn’s and Colitis. They are not immunosuppressants and do not have the same side effects.
One possible side effect of mesalazine, a 5-ASA medicine, is kidney stones. You can lower the risk of kidney stones by drinking enough fluids.
Your IBD may give you more advice about lowering the risk of side effects when taking 5-ASAs. You may also have tests or checks whilst you are taking the medicine.
You can read more about side effects in our 5-ASA information.
For some medicines, you may be given a Patient Alert Card. This is sometimes also known as a patient reminder card.
This card tells healthcare professionals about your medicine. This is important if you need treatment or emergency care.
You can carry this card with you. You can also add it as emergency medical information on your phone.
Your Crohn’s or Colitis medicine can be affected by medicines for other conditions. This is called a medicine interaction. It could make your treatment less effective or change the side effects you get.
Your IBD team will check what medicines you take before prescribing a new one. Once you have started your medicine, it’s important to check with your IBD team or a pharmacist before taking any new medicine.
This includes:
Some food and drink can also affect how medicines work. For example, grapefruit juice can interact with some medicines.
Because there are many possible interactions, we do not list them all on this page.
Find out more about medicine interactions from:
Finding the right medicine for Crohn’s or Colitis can take time. You may need to try different medicines before finding one that works.
Your IBD team might suggest changes to your medicine if:
Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your IBD team first.
Some people may want to stop treatment because they are worried about side effects. Or they may feel fed up with taking medicines.
It’s best to be honest with your IBD team about why you are thinking of stopping your treatment. This can help them understand how to best support you. They will help you make a decision that is right for you.
Some medicines, such as steroids, need to be reduced gradually. Stopping them suddenly can make you unwell.
Continuing to take your medicine, even when you feel well, is an important part of treatment. It can lower the risk of having a flare-up and help keep your symptoms under control. This is called maintaining remission.
Some people may be tempted to stop their medicine if their symptoms get better. It’s very important you talk to your IBD team first. If you are taking long-term medicine to keep your symptoms under control, they may advise that you continue your medicine.
It’s very important that you only start, stop or change any prescribed medicines if you are advised to by your IBD team, even if your symptoms improve. It’s also important to take the full dose you have been prescribed.
You may have a written personalised care and support plan that tells you what to do if you feel unwell. Follow the specific guidance given by your IBD team in this plan. Find out more in our flare-ups information.
Your IBD team will give you information about how to get your medicine.
Some medicines for Crohn’s and Colitis must be prescribed by a specialist hospital team. This means your GP may not be able to prescribe it. In this case, you may not be able to collect your medicine from your local pharmacy. Instead, you might:
Some medicines can take a while to be delivered. It’s important to make sure you order your prescription in plenty of time. If you’re not sure how far ahead to order, ask your IBD team.
Sometimes, your medicine may be unavailable. Speak to your IBD team if this happens. There may be alternative medicines that work in the same way. This medicine might have a different name. You can read more in the section about medicines with more than one name.
Some people can get free NHS prescriptions.
If you regularly have to pay for prescriptions, it may be cheaper to get a prescription prepayment certificate.
Find out more on our money and financial support page.
Taking medicines for Crohn’s or Colitis can sometimes be difficult. You may find it hard to:
If you are struggling to manage your medicines, let your IBD team know. They may be able to help you find a routine that works better with your daily life. Or they may have tips to make it easier to take your medicines.
Depending on the medicine you take and your condition, your IBD team may be able to:
It can be hard to get into a routine of remembering to take your medicines every day. If you are having trouble remembering to take your medicine, you may find it helpful to:
You may find it helpful to write on the packaging the date or time you need to take your medicine. This may help you keep track of when doses are due and whether you may have missed a dose.
If you do miss a dose, the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will tell you what to do. If you are unsure, check with your IBD team.
If you’re planning a trip, there may be some extra things to think about, such as:
Our information on travelling with Crohn’s or Colitis has helpful tips for managing your medicines while travelling.
If you have questions or concerns about your medicines, support is available.
Your IBD team can help you:
Building a good relationship with your IBD team may help you feel more confident in making decisions about your treatment. Be honest about your symptoms, feelings and any difficulties you have taking medicines. This can help your team understand what support you need and whether your treatment is working well for you.
You may find it helpful to write down questions or symptoms before appointments. Our appointment guide can help you prepare for discussions with your IBD team.
Some hospitals have an IBD service for information and support. See our online map to find an IBD service in your area.
You can also speak to your GP or local pharmacist about your medicines. They can answer questions about:
All medicines come with a patient information leaflet. This explains how to take the medicine, possible side effects and other important safety information. Copies of patient information leaflets can be found on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can also find medicine information online:
We follow strict processes to make sure our information is based on up-to-date evidence and easy to understand.
Please email us at evidence@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk if:
You can also write to us at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, 1 Bishop Square, Hatfield, AL10 9NE, or contact us through our Helpline: 0300 222 5700
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Last updated: 22/07/2026
Our Helpline team can't take calls, chats or ring you back for the rest of the summer. But you can still reach us by email.
If you need to contact the team, please email helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk and we'll answer you as soon as possible.
Thanks for bearing with us.
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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