Hair loss after Fipronil + S-methoprene (Frontline Plus) in cats

39 reports to the FDA describe hair loss in cats given Fipronil + S-methoprene. That is 11% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 14% across reports for all cat medicines.

39Reports
33%Marked serious
7.7%Recovered
5.1%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
2 6.9%
1–2 days
5 17%
3–7 days
11 38%
1–4 weeks
5 17%
Over a month
6 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
3 7.7%
Still unwell when reported
6 15%
Died
1 2.6%
Euthanised
1 2.6%
Not known
28 72%

Problems reported at the same time

12 31%
Skin redness
6 15%
Skin rash or irritation
5 13%
3 7.7%
Kidney problems
3 7.7%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
11
4–7 years
10
8–11 years
8
12+ years
10

About this medicine

Fipronil kills fleas and ticks (spot-on).

Products with this combination include Frontline Plus. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Fipronil + S-methoprene cause hair loss in cats?
39 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 5 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).

Hair loss with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Fipronil + S-methoprene in cats · Medicines most reported with hair loss