Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Maropitant (Cerenia) in dogs

The FDA has received 128 reports of decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs after Maropitant. That is 1.1% 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.

128Reports

84%Marked serious

15%Recovered

53%Died or euthanised

6 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

23 21%

1–2 days

21 19%

3–7 days

18 16%

1–4 weeks

20 18%

Over a month

28 25%

How the animals did

Recovered

18 14%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.8%

Still unwell when reported

30 23%

Died

13 10%

Euthanised

55 43%

Not known

11 8.6%

Problems reported at the same time

77 60%

74 58%

71 55%

67 52%

63 49%

63 49%

42 33%

42 33%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Maropitant prevents vomiting and motion sickness.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Maropitant cause decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?: 128 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 6 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).

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