Weight loss after Pergolide in horses

The FDA has received 73 reports of weight loss in horses after Pergolide. That is 5.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.4% across reports for all horse medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

73Reports

36%Marked serious

22%Recovered

6.8%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

12 25%

1–2 days

4 8.3%

3–7 days

3 6.3%

1–4 weeks

16 33%

Over a month

13 27%

How the animals did

Recovered

14 19%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 2.7%

Still unwell when reported

4 5.5%

Died

1 1.4%

Euthanised

4 5.5%

Not known

48 66%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite

34 47%

Lethargy

12 16%

Diarrhea

6 8.2%

Muscle wasting

5 6.8%

Death

5 6.8%

Colic

5 6.8%

Appetite loss

5 6.8%

High adrenocorticotropic (acth) hormone

5 6.8%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Pergolide cause weight loss in horses?: 73 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 14 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 Pergolide in horses · Medicines most reported with weight loss