Liver problems after Levetiracetam in dogs

71 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Levetiracetam. That is 10% 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.

71Reports
85%Marked serious
8.5%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
25 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
10 19%
1–2 days
11 20%
3–7 days
2 3.7%
1–4 weeks
7 13%
Over a month
24 44%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 7.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.4%
Still unwell when reported
38 54%
Died
12 17%
Euthanised
5 7.0%
Not known
10 14%

Problems reported at the same time

38 54%
19 27%
17 24%
13 18%
11 15%
Leucocytosis
10 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
4
4–7 years
14
8–11 years
24
12+ years
27

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Levetiracetam cause liver problems in dogs?
71 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 25 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 Levetiracetam in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems