Abnormal cytology after Prednisolone in cats

27 reports to the FDA describe abnormal cytology in cats given Prednisolone. That is 2.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

27Reports

81%Marked serious

15%Recovered

11%Died or euthanised

22 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 8.0%

1–2 days

4 16%

3–7 days

4 16%

1–4 weeks

4 16%

Over a month

11 44%

How the animals did

Recovered

4 15%

Still unwell when reported

17 63%

Died

1 3.7%

Euthanised

2 7.4%

Not known

3 11%

Problems reported at the same time

Skin rash or irritation

12 44%

Hair loss

9 33%

Itching

9 33%

Didn't work as expected

9 33%

6 22%

5 19%

5 19%

4 15%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Prednisolone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisolone cause abnormal cytology in cats?: 27 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 22 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).

All reported side effects of Prednisolone in cats · Medicines most reported with abnormal cytology