A GUIDE TO TAKING MEDICATIONS FOR KIDS AND TEENS WITH IBD

A GUIDE TO TAKING MEDICATIONS FOR KIDS AND TEENS WITH IBD

by Bonney Reed-Knight, PhD

Taking medication can be one of the most challenging parts of having IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). In fact, kids and teens often say that having to frequently take medications is the worst part of the disease. But not taking prescription and over-the-counter medications as prescribed can have serious consequences:

  • Worsening of the disease
  • Increased symptoms such as pain and diarrhea
  • Being prescribed even more medications
  • Missing out on school and fun activities due to not feeling well

Kids and teens have multiple reasons for not taking their medications including:

Developing side-effectsForgetting
Worrying about possible side-effectsDifficulty swallowing pills
Believing that there are too many pillsLack of organization
Feeling embarrassed to take medications in front of friendsBelieving that taking medications gets in the way of activities
Feeling tired of taking medications Feeling tired of having IBDRunning out of pillsFighting with parents

We know that teenagers and kids who have been diagnosed longer with IBD are especially at risk for having trouble taking medications regularly. Fortunately, you can make improvements with a few simple guidelines.

This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.

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