Lethargy after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats

277 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in cats given Carprofen. That is 16% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 14% across reports for all cat medicines.

277Reports

5.4%Marked serious

2.2%Recovered

23%Died or euthanised

2 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

10 33%

1–2 days

9 30%

3–7 days

7 23%

1–4 weeks

4 13%

Over a month

0 0.0%

How the animals did

Recovered

6 2.2%

Still unwell when reported

16 5.8%

Died

58 21%

Euthanised

5 1.8%

Not known

192 69%

Problems reported at the same time

137 49%

124 45%

111 40%

109 39%

62 22%

52 19%

43 16%

30 11%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 lethargy in cats?: 277 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 2 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

Lethargy after Meloxicam (Metacam) 1,207 reports · 33% of its reports
Lethargy after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 702 reports · 21% of its reports

All reported side effects of Carprofen in cats · Medicines most reported with lethargy