Crohn's Disease: Understanding Symptoms When Medication is Interrupted

Short-term effects

When you stop taking Crohn’s medication, you may experience a flare-up of your symptoms within a few days or weeks. This can include:

* Abdominal pain

* Diarrhea

* Weight loss

* Fever

* Fatigue

* Night sweats

Long-term effects

If you stop taking your Crohn’s medication for a long period of time, you may experience more serious complications, such as:

* Strictures (narrowing of the intestines)

* Fistulas (abnormal connections between different parts of the intestines or between the intestines and other organs)

* Malnutrition

* Anemia

* Osteoporosis

* Infertility

* Increased risk of colon cancer

Talk to your doctor

If you’re thinking about stopping your Crohn’s medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of stopping treatment and develop a plan to manage your symptoms.