Current UK Clozapine Monitoring — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateSchizophrenia & PsychosisCurrent UK Clozapine MonitoringMRCPsych Paper B

A patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia has taken clozapine continuously for 6 years. His neutrophil counts have remained stable and there have been no abnormal monitoring results. Under current UK requirements, what is the least frequent routine haematological monitoring schedule permitted?

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Correct answer: C — Every 4 weeks

The correct answer is C: every 4 weeks. Current UK official recommendations permit white cell count with differential monitoring at intervals of up to 4 weeks after 1 year of uninterrupted clozapine treatment when neutrophil counts are stable. Monitoring must continue throughout treatment. Weekly monitoring is used during the first 18 weeks, while 2-weekly monitoring applies during the remainder of the first treatment year under the standard UK schedule. Every 12 weeks and annual monitoring are not currently permitted routine schedules under the UK Clozaril official recommendations. More frequent testing may be required following an abnormal result, treatment interruption or other relevant clinical concern.

Reference: Clozapine Viatris 100 mg Tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics, UK Clozaril Official Recommendations, sections preceding 4.1 and 4.4, revised February 2026 and updated on eMC 13 March 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15498/smpc