IBD medications: Foundation Medication Guide bridge

Selected Crohn's & Colitis Foundation educational content and Marks are used on IBDPal under license. This page summarizes how to use Foundation patient education and links to the original Foundation sources. The Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue. Education only, not medical advice.

What the Foundation Medication Guide is for

The Foundation IBD Medication Guide helps patients browse drug classes such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and related options.

It is education for shared decision-making, not a substitute for your gastroenterologist's prescription plan.

Filters by condition, class, and how a medicine is taken can help you prepare questions before a visit or infusion.

Questions to ask about any IBD drug

Ask why this class was chosen for your disease location and severity, what monitoring labs or scopes are needed, and how soon to expect response.

Clarify infection precautions, vaccine timing, pregnancy plans, and what to do if doses are missed or side effects appear.

If a biosimilar or formulary change is proposed, ask how switching is handled and what to report if symptoms change.

How IBDPal fits

Log doses, infusion dates, flares, and side effects so trends are clear at appointments.

Use Foundation medication pages as the original educational source, then confirm details with your clinic and pharmacist.

IBDPal does not recommend starting, stopping, or switching therapies.

Practical tips

• Bring a written medication list including steroids and over-the-counter products
• Ask for the plan if prior authorization delays the preferred drug
• Never stop a biologic or immunomodulator without clinician guidance

Common questions

Does the Foundation decide which drug I should take?

No. The Guide explains options. Your gastroenterologist and you choose therapy based on your disease, history, and labs.

Are biosimilars the same as generics?

Biosimilars are highly similar to reference biologics under regulatory standards. Ask your team how a switch would work for you.

Related resources

• Foundation IBD Medication Guide (original source)
• Foundation patients and caregivers
• Prior authorization Foundation guide
• Understanding biologics article
• Vaccines Foundation bridge
• Foundation resources hub

Educational only. Not medical advice. Work with your IBD care team.

Read the full interactive version on ibdpal.org.