Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Melarsomine (Immiticide) in dogs

30 reports to the FDA describe decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs given Melarsomine. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines.

30Reports
73%Marked serious
0.0%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
15 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 14%
1–2 days
2 6.9%
3–7 days
5 17%
1–4 weeks
7 24%
Over a month
11 38%

How the animals did

Still unwell when reported
16 53%
Died
5 17%
Euthanised
2 6.7%
Not known
7 23%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems
11 37%
Lethargy
11 37%
Blood problems
10 33%
Neutrophilia
9 30%
Kidney problems
8 27%
Loss of appetite
8 27%
Death
7 23%
Breathing problems
7 23%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
9
8–11 years
9
12+ years
1

About this medicine

Melarsomine treats adult heartworm infection (a series of injections given by a vet).

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

Questions owners ask

Can Melarsomine cause decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?
30 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 15 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 Melarsomine in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)