Didn't work as expected after Prednisone in cats

126 reports to the FDA describe didn't work as expected in cats given Prednisone. That is 14% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.7% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

126Reports
32%Marked serious
8.7%Recovered
11%Died or euthanised
29 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
9 9.9%
1–2 days
7 7.7%
3–7 days
6 6.6%
1–4 weeks
24 26%
Over a month
45 49%

How the animals did

Recovered
9 7.1%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.6%
Still unwell when reported
45 36%
Died
8 6.3%
Euthanised
6 4.8%
Not known
56 44%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite
26 21%
Lethargy
16 13%
Weight loss
16 13%
Death
14 11%
Itching
12 9.5%
Blood problems
12 9.5%
Didn't stop fleas
11 8.7%
Vomiting
11 8.7%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
17
8–11 years
36
12+ years
55

About this medicine

Prednisone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisone cause didn't work as expected in cats?
126 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 29 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).

Didn't work as expected with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Prednisone in cats · Medicines most reported with didn't work as expected