Loss of appetite after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats

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

242Reports
5.4%Marked serious
3.7%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
7 26%
1–2 days
10 37%
3–7 days
5 19%
1–4 weeks
4 15%
Over a month
1 3.7%

How the animals did

Recovered
9 3.7%
Still unwell when reported
13 5.4%
Died
40 17%
Euthanised
2 0.8%
Not known
178 74%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
60
1–3 years
54
4–7 years
44
8–11 years
44
12+ years
31

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 loss of appetite in cats?
242 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).

Loss of appetite with similar medicines

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