Liver problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats

The FDA has received 152 reports of liver problems in cats after Carprofen. That is 8.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.8% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

152Reports
7.9%Marked serious
1.3%Recovered
22%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
8 40%
1–2 days
4 20%
3–7 days
6 30%
1–4 weeks
1 5.0%
Over a month
1 5.0%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 1.3%
Still unwell when reported
12 7.9%
Died
30 20%
Euthanised
4 2.6%
Not known
104 68%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
34
1–3 years
36
4–7 years
28
8–11 years
29
12+ years
19

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 liver problems in cats?
152 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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

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