skip to main content

Azathioprine pancreatitis warning — GPhC CRA MCQ

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

ModerateGastrointestinal TherapeuticsAzathioprine pancreatitis warningGPhC CRA

A patient with Crohn's disease started azathioprine 2 weeks ago and now has severe epigastric pain with vomiting. What is the most appropriate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Refer urgently for assessment of possible pancreatitis

Azathioprine can cause pancreatitis, and severe upper abdominal pain with vomiting warrants urgent review. This makes refer urgently for assessment of possible pancreatitis the single best answer in this scenario. The other options would either miss the key safety issue, delay appropriate review, or fail to meet the relevant clinical or professional requirement.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS