Short summary

This study explores the use of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics among adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, often involves pain even during remission. The project aims to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and reasons for OTC analgesic use through a newly developed questionnaire.

Rationale

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including the subtypes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). They are characterized by periods of relapse and remitting symptoms(2). In Denmark, the prevalence of IBD was 0.86% in 2014 and is expected to be over 1% in 2025 and to increase to 1.59% in 2043. Pain is a common symptom, and pain affects 50-70% of patients during active disease. Even in remission, pain affects 9-50% of the patients . The treatment of IBD includes immunomodulatory therapies, corticosteroids, and biologics, which are used to suppress the inflammation and reduce symptoms, such as pain. Pain management may include prescribed analgesics, such as paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids. Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are used, but are poorly explored among patients with ÍBD. Thus, the knowledge on the prevalence, dose, characteristics, and reasons for the use of OTC analgesics is very limited. A better understanding of IBD patients and their pain management is important to guide optimal treatment. This study aims to explore the use of systemic over-the-counter analgesics among adult IBD patients (≥18 years) in Denmark. We aim to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and reasons for the use of OTC analgesics in this population.

Description of the cohort

The study includes anonymous adult outpatients (≥18 years) with IBD from the Department of Medical Gastrointestinal Diseases at Odense University Hospital. Data are collected via questionnaires between October 2025 and January 2026, focusing on their use of over-the-counter analgesics.

Data and biological material

Anonymous questionnaire data.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Medical Gastrointestinal Diseases, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Jens Kjeldsen, PhD

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense

• Professor Per Damkier, PhD

Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Bente Mertz Nørgård, PhD, DMsc