Liver problems after Codeine in dogs

The FDA has received 28 reports of liver problems in dogs after Codeine. That is 37% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

28Reports
75%Marked serious
18%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 20%
1–2 days
8 32%
3–7 days
0 0.0%
1–4 weeks
5 20%
Over a month
7 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 18%
Still unwell when reported
10 36%
Died
1 3.6%
Euthanised
9 32%
Not known
3 11%

Problems reported at the same time

11 39%
10 36%
Kidney problems
10 36%
Abnormal ultrasound finding
9 32%
Blood problems
7 25%
Monocytosis
7 25%
Swelling
6 21%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
5
4–7 years
11
8–11 years
10
12+ years
2

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Codeine cause liver problems in dogs?
28 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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Codeine in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems