Hair loss after Fluralaner (Bravecto) in cats

2,548 reports to the FDA describe hair loss in cats given Fluralaner. That is 24% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 14% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

2,548Reports
64%Marked serious
10%Recovered
1.2%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
347 20%
1–2 days
597 35%
3–7 days
432 25%
1–4 weeks
163 9.6%
Over a month
162 9.5%

How the animals did

Recovered
257 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
2,046 80%
Died
12 0.5%
Euthanised
18 0.7%
Not known
211 8.3%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
68
1–3 years
552
4–7 years
756
8–11 years
640
12+ years
413

About this medicine

Fluralaner kills fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks (chewable or spot-on).

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

In 2018 the FDA alerted owners and vets that isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic reactions such as muscle tremors, wobbliness (ataxia) and seizures, including in animals with no history of them.

Questions owners ask

Can Fluralaner cause hair loss in cats?
2,548 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 2 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 Fluralaner in cats · Medicines most reported with hair loss