Skin rash or irritation after Dexamethasone in cats

The FDA has received 41 reports of skin rash or irritation in cats after Dexamethasone. That is 5.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

41Reports
76%Marked serious
9.8%Recovered
9.8%Died or euthanised
12 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
4 12%
1–2 days
3 8.8%
3–7 days
7 21%
1–4 weeks
11 32%
Over a month
9 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 9.8%
Still unwell when reported
24 59%
Euthanised
4 9.8%
Not known
9 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Hair loss
17 41%
Itching
15 37%
Loss of appetite
13 32%
Skin scab
11 27%
Swelling
10 24%
Skin redness
8 20%
Fever
7 17%
Crust
7 17%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
6
4–7 years
10
8–11 years
8
12+ years
13

About this medicine

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

Steroids commonly cause increased thirst, urination and appetite, especially at higher doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexamethasone cause skin rash or irritation in cats?
41 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 12 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Skin rash or irritation with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone in cats · Medicines most reported with skin rash or irritation