A 30-year-old woman at 20 weeks of gestation presents to the GP with a flare of her inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). She is currently ...

Question

A 30-year-old woman at 20 weeks of gestation presents to the GP with a flare of her inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). She is currently on mesalazine 800 mg three times daily. Her gastroenterologist has confirmed the flare. She asks whether mesalazine is safe in pregnancy. Which is the most appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

Mesalazine (5-ASA preparations) is considered safe in pregnancy and should be continued - poorly controlled IBD poses greater risks to the pregnancy than the medication

Answer

Mesalazine must be stopped immediately in pregnancy

Answer

Switch to methotrexate for the flare

Answer

Switch to oral prednisolone only and stop mesalazine

Answer

Defer all treatment until after delivery

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Mesalazine Safety in Pregnancy