Hyperkalaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats
The FDA has received 20 reports of hyperkalaemia in cats after Carprofen. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
20Reports
15%Marked serious
0.0%Recovered
40%Died or euthanised
–Typical onset
Sponsored
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
About this medicine
Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.
Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.
NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.
Questions owners ask
- Can Carprofen cause hyperkalaemia in cats?
- 20 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.
- 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).
Hyperkalaemia with similar medicines
- Hyperkalaemia after Meloxicam (Metacam) 154 reports · 4.2% of its reports
- Hyperkalaemia after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 32 reports · 1.0% of its reports
All reported side effects of Carprofen in cats · Medicines most reported with hyperkalaemia