Didn't work as expected after Prednisone in dogs

The FDA has received 1,261 reports of didn't work as expected in dogs after Prednisone. That is 14% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 13% across reports for all dog medicines.

1,261Reports
43%Marked serious
7.6%Recovered
10%Died or euthanised
28 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
118 14%
1–2 days
63 7.7%
3–7 days
53 6.5%
1–4 weeks
198 24%
Over a month
384 47%

How the animals did

Recovered
77 6.1%
Recovered with lasting effects
19 1.5%
Still unwell when reported
472 37%
Died
42 3.3%
Euthanised
88 7.0%
Not known
563 45%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite
197 16%
Lethargy
159 13%
Vomiting
151 12%
Swelling
129 10%
Death
127 10%
Diarrhea
125 9.9%
Liver problems
124 9.8%
Injection site reaction
119 9.4%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
17
1–3 years
180
4–7 years
441
8–11 years
402
12+ years
183

About this medicine

Prednisone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

Steroids commonly cause increased thirst, urination and appetite, especially at higher doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisone cause didn't work as expected in dogs?
1,261 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 28 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).

Didn't work as expected with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't work as expected