Monocytosis after Dexamethasone in dogs

94 reports to the FDA describe monocytosis in dogs given Dexamethasone. That is 3.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

94Reports

90%Marked serious

9.6%Recovered

31%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

15 20%

1–2 days

11 14%

3–7 days

13 17%

1–4 weeks

17 22%

Over a month

20 26%

How the animals did

Recovered

9 9.6%

Still unwell when reported

42 45%

Died

16 17%

Euthanised

13 14%

Not known

14 15%

Problems reported at the same time

61 65%

59 63%

58 62%

56 60%

50 53%

47 50%

43 46%

30 32%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 monocytosis in dogs?: 94 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 7 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).

Monocytosis with similar medicines

Monocytosis after Prednisone 153 reports · 1.7% of its reports
Monocytosis after Prednisolone 44 reports · 3.6% of its reports

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone in dogs · Medicines most reported with monocytosis