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Azathioprine pancreatitis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardGI TherapeuticsAzathioprine pancreatitisGPhC CRA

A 61-year-old woman taking azathioprine for Crohn's disease asks for advice about severe epigastric pain radiating to her back with vomiting. Her recent bloods show raised amylase from an urgent GP test. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: E — Urgent referral because azathioprine-associated pancreatitis is possible

Azathioprine can cause pancreatitis, particularly early in treatment but it remains an important toxicity to consider. Severe epigastric pain radiating to the back with vomiting and raised amylase requires urgent medical assessment. Treating as simple dyspepsia would be unsafe. Continued or increased azathioprine could worsen harm if pancreatitis is drug-related.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Crohn's disease