Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Fluralaner (Bravecto) in dogs

The FDA has received 239 reports of decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs after Fluralaner. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

239Reports
98%Marked serious
9.2%Recovered
46%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
34 22%
1–2 days
32 21%
3–7 days
23 15%
1–4 weeks
33 22%
Over a month
31 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
18 7.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.7%
Still unwell when reported
89 37%
Died
32 13%
Euthanised
78 33%
Not known
18 7.5%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
42
4–7 years
77
8–11 years
79
12+ years
28

About this medicine

Fluralaner kills fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks (chewable or spot-on).

Products with this ingredient include Bravecto. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

In 2018 the FDA alerted owners and vets that isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic reactions such as muscle tremors, wobbliness (ataxia) and seizures, including in animals with no history of them.

Questions owners ask

Can Fluralaner cause decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?
239 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 5 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).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Fluralaner in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)