Weight loss after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in cats

The FDA has received 39 reports of weight loss in cats after Carprofen. That is 2.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

39Reports

10%Marked serious

2.6%Recovered

31%Died or euthanised

–Typical onset

How the animals did

Recovered

1 2.6%

Still unwell when reported

3 7.7%

Died

10 26%

Euthanised

2 5.1%

Not known

23 59%

Problems reported at the same time

25 64%

23 59%

19 49%

19 49%

15 38%

12 31%

12 31%

10 26%

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 weight loss in cats?: 39 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).

Weight loss with similar medicines

Weight loss after Meloxicam (Metacam) 327 reports · 9.0% of its reports
Weight loss after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 229 reports · 7.0% of its reports

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