Do I still need to take medication if I feel fine?

When you're feeling good, taking your medicine might be the last thing you want to think about.

You might wonder:

“If I feel fine, why do I still need it?”

It can seem strange to take medicine when you don't have tummy pain, you're going to the toilet normally and you're getting on with life.

But with IBD, feeling well doesn't always mean there is no inflammation in your gut.

That's one of the reasons your healthcare team may ask you to keep taking your medicine even when you feel great.

😊 Feeling well is a good thing!

First of all — if you're feeling well, that's fantastic.

It might mean your treatment is helping control your IBD.

You might be:

• Going to the toilet normally for you

• Eating well

• Getting your energy back

• Going to school

• Playing sport

• Hanging out with friends

• Doing all the things you enjoy

This is exactly what your IBD team wants for you.

But your medicine may be helping keep you well.

🔥 What about inflammation?

IBD causes inflammation in your digestive system.

Sometimes inflammation can be happening even when you don't notice many symptoms.

You might feel completely normal while your healthcare team can still see signs of inflammation in tests.

That's why you might have regular:

• Blood tests

• Poo tests, such as faecal calprotectin

• Scans

• Endoscopies or colonoscopies

These tests can give your doctors more information about what's happening inside your body.

💊 Your medicine isn't only for when you're sick

Some IBD medicines are used to keep inflammation under control and help prevent symptoms from coming back.

Think of it a bit like maintaining something that is working well.

If your medicine is helping keep your IBD under control, stopping it suddenly can allow inflammation to become active again.

That could lead to another flare.

This is why your healthcare team might tell you to keep taking your medicine even when you feel completely fine.

🤔 What if I forget a dose?

Don't panic.

Everyone forgets things sometimes.

What you should do depends on which medicine you're taking.

Check the instructions you've been given or ask your parent, carer, pharmacist or IBD team what to do.

Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose unless your healthcare team tells you to.

It can help to find a routine that makes remembering easier.

You could:

• Take your medicine at the same time each day

• Set an alarm on your phone

• Use a medication reminder

• Keep it somewhere appropriate where you'll remember it

• Ask a parent or carer to remind you

• Link it to something you already do every day

As you get older, you'll probably become more responsible for remembering your own medicines.

It's okay to get help while you're learning.

😕 What if I don't like taking my medicine?

You're allowed to feel frustrated about it.

Taking medicine every day can be annoying.

You might hate the taste.

You might find tablets difficult to swallow.

You might get tired of having to remember it.

You might simply think:

“Why do I have to keep doing this?”

If you're struggling with your medicine, tell someone.

Your IBD team may be able to help.

There may be different ways of taking your medicine or different treatment options, depending on your IBD and what your doctor thinks is appropriate.

⚠️ What if I want to stop?

Don't stop your IBD medicine on your own.

Even if you've been feeling amazing for months, talk to your IBD team first.

They can look at your symptoms, test results and overall health and decide whether your treatment needs to change.

Stopping or changing medication without medical advice can increase the risk of your IBD becoming active again.

🩺 Why do I need appointments if I feel fine?

You might wonder why you still need to see your IBD team when everything seems okay.

Appointments aren't just for when you're sick.

Your healthcare team also wants to make sure you're:

• Growing well

• Getting enough nutrients

• Feeling well

• Managing your medication

• Keeping inflammation under control

• Not developing problems you can't feel yet

  
  

These check-ups help your team make sure your treatment is still working for you.

💬 What if my medicine gives me side effects?

Tell your parent, carer or healthcare team.

You don't have to put up with side effects without telling anyone.

Your doctor may be able to change your treatment, adjust the timing or investigate what's causing the problem.

Don't stop taking your medicine because of side effects without talking to your healthcare team first, unless you've been given specific instructions to do so.

If you're having a severe or unexpected reaction, get medical advice promptly.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 It's okay to ask for help

Taking responsibility for your medicine is something you'll gradually learn.

Your parent or carer might remind you now.

Later, you might manage your own medicines.

Neither is better or worse.

The important thing is that you have a system that helps you take your medicine safely.

🌟 Your medicine should fit into your life

Your medicine is only one part of your life.

You shouldn't have to spend every day thinking about your IBD.

Once you've found a routine that works, taking your medicine can become just another part of your day — like brushing your teeth or packing your school bag.

And then you can get on with being you.

💛 Remember

Feeling well is something to celebrate.

But with IBD, feeling well doesn't always mean the inflammation has completely gone.

Your medicine may be helping to keep your IBD under control and prevent another flare.

So even when you're feeling great:

Keep taking your medicine as prescribed.

Keep going to your appointments.

Tell your healthcare team if something changes.

And if you're wondering whether you still need your medicine, ask them.

Never be afraid to ask questions about your treatment.

Looking after your IBD when you feel well is one of the ways you help yourself stay well. 💛