Vomiting after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats

The FDA has received 394 reports of vomiting in cats after Carprofen. That is 23% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 18% across reports for all cat medicines.

394Reports
5.6%Marked serious
3.3%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
21 48%
1–2 days
12 27%
3–7 days
4 9.1%
1–4 weeks
5 11%
Over a month
2 4.5%

How the animals did

Recovered
13 3.3%
Still unwell when reported
22 5.6%
Died
47 12%
Euthanised
4 1.0%
Not known
308 78%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
82
1–3 years
89
4–7 years
81
8–11 years
67
12+ years
37

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 vomiting in cats?
394 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 1 day 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).

Vomiting with similar medicines

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