skip to main content

Mesalazine brand prescribing — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateDispensingMesalazine brand prescribingGPhC CRA

A 32-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis presents with a prescription for mesalazine 800 mg modified-release tablets (Asacol), three times daily. She asks if all mesalazine brands are the same. What is the most appropriate advice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Mesalazine brands are not interchangeable as they have different release characteristics, so she should consistently receive the same brand

Mesalazine preparations have different release characteristics depending on the brand (e.g. Asacol, Pentasa, Octasa, Salofalk). They deliver the active drug to different parts of the gastrointestinal tract and are therefore not interchangeable. The BNF advises that patients should be maintained on the same brand of mesalazine. The prescriber should specify the brand on the prescription.

Reference: BNF