Low platelet count after Maropitant (Cerenia) in dogs

201 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in dogs given Maropitant. That is 1.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

201Reports

91%Marked serious

8.5%Recovered

51%Died or euthanised

5 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

43 25%

1–2 days

22 13%

3–7 days

37 22%

1–4 weeks

26 15%

Over a month

43 25%

How the animals did

Recovered

17 8.5%

Still unwell when reported

72 36%

Died

36 18%

Euthanised

67 33%

Not known

9 4.5%

Problems reported at the same time

122 61%

120 60%

117 58%

109 54%

103 51%

81 40%

74 37%

73 36%

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 low platelet count in dogs?: 201 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).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

Low platelet count after Capromorelin (Entyce) 26 reports · 1.7% of its reports

All reported side effects of Maropitant in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count