I started cramping a week before my usual period & tonight the cramps were much heavier than ever. blood is a redish brownish color? why?

Don't worry about: color . Color of menstrual blood is usually not of clinical significance. Change is timing might be related to imbalance of estrogen & progesterone. Take care.

Heavier flow: with cramping may be due to hormonal fluctuations. NSAIDS like Advil or Aleve (naproxen) will control both bleeding and cramping ( assuming that you are not allergic to these medications)