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Azathioprine bone marrow suppression — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyAzathioprine bone marrow suppressionGPhC CRA

A 46-year-old man taking azathioprine has new bruising, mouth ulcers and fever. His repeat prescription is due, and the dispenser notes a recent course of trimethoprim from an urgent care centre. He asks for the medicines quickly before work. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: C — Urgent full blood count and clinical assessment

Bruising, mouth ulcers and fever suggest possible bone marrow suppression. Azathioprine toxicity risk can be increased by interacting medicines and infection needs urgent assessment. The pharmacist should not treat this as routine repeat dispensing.

Reference: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/registration-assessment#stage-8-order-99