Noureldin M, et al. - Using a national insurance claim dataset, researchers identified the incidence and the predictors of new persistent opioid use following an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare. Study participants included patients with IBD who received an opioid medication around the time of a corticosteroid-treated IBD flare. Fifteen thousand, one hundred nineteen IBD patients who received opioids around the time of a flare were identified. Data reported that new persistent opioid use is common in the US following corticosteroid-treated IBD flare. In comparison with ulcerative colitis, persistent opioid use is increased among those with mental health disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior opioid use, and Crohn's disease or indeterminate colitis. These findings can help patients who choose acute pain therapy and provide advice before prescribing opioids to opioid-naïve patients with IBD flare.