Didn't work as expected after Dexamethasone in dogs

The FDA has received 243 reports of didn't work as expected in dogs after Dexamethasone. That is 8.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 13% across reports for all dog medicines.

243Reports
64%Marked serious
14%Recovered
19%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
55 28%
1–2 days
16 8.1%
3–7 days
17 8.6%
1–4 weeks
40 20%
Over a month
69 35%

How the animals did

Recovered
33 14%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
104 43%
Died
25 10%
Euthanised
20 8.2%
Not known
60 25%

Problems reported at the same time

Vomiting
86 35%
Loss of appetite
61 25%
Lethargy
60 25%
Diarrhea
48 20%
Death
45 19%
Swelling
35 14%
Liver problems
34 14%
Allergic reaction
33 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
26
1–3 years
61
4–7 years
60
8–11 years
60
12+ years
31

About this medicine

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Dexamethasone cause didn't work as expected in dogs?
243 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 10 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 Dexamethasone in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't work as expected