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Pancreatin counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardGastro-intestinal TherapeuticsPancreatin counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient with chronic pancreatitis still has steatorrhoea despite taking the prescribed number of pancreatin capsules. He takes every capsule together 30 minutes after each meal and none with snacks. Which correction should be tried first?

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

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Correct answer: B — Take the first capsule with food and spread the remainder through meals

Pancreatic enzymes must mix with food in the gut. The first capsule is taken with the first mouthful and, when several are required, the dose is spread through the meal; enzymes are also needed with snacks and nourishing drinks. Taking the full dose after finishing the meal creates poor temporal mixing and can explain persistent steatorrhoea.

Reference: Cambridge University Hospitals, Taking pancreatic enzymes: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/information-for-people-taking-pancreatic-enzymes-for-pancreatic-insufficiency/