Over‐the‐Counter Analgesics Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Study Based on a New Questionnaire

ABSTRACT

Abdominal pain is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and patients may self‐medicate with over‐the‐counter (OTC) analgesics. We examined OTC analgesic use among adults with IBD in a Danish Gastroenterology outpatient clinic. A questionnaire including demographics, disease characteristics, analgesic types and frequencies, and reasons for use was developed and tested. Overall, 216 patients completed the questionnaire (November 2025–February 2026). Analyses were stratified by IBD type and disease activity; associations were assessed using logistic regression. Over 90% used OTC analgesics, predominantly paracetamol, regardless of IBD type and disease activity. Frequent use (≥ 4 days/week) was more common among patients with disease activity than without within 6 months (16% vs. 6%). Adjusted OR for frequent use within 4 weeks and 6 months were 1.69 (95% CI 0.57–4.99) and 2.37 (95% CI 0.79–7.11), respectively. Among patients with disease activity, 54%, 31% and 12% reported ‘another reasons than IBD’, ‘IBD and another reason’ and ‘IBD’, respectively, as reasons for use. Corresponding proportions without disease activity were 81%, 11% and < 6%, respectively. OTC analgesics use was common regardless of disease activity, but frequent use and IBD‐related reasons were more prevalent with disease activity; highlighting the need for clinical awareness and appropriate pain management.