Abnormal cytology after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 221 reports of abnormal cytology in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

221Reports

76%Marked serious

6.3%Recovered

19%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

21 12%

1–2 days

23 13%

3–7 days

31 17%

1–4 weeks

45 25%

Over a month

59 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

14 6.3%

Still unwell when reported

129 58%

Died

11 5.0%

Euthanised

31 14%

Not known

36 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Swelling

81 37%

Loss of appetite

69 31%

Lethargy

58 26%

Injection site reaction

53 24%

Liver problems

51 23%

Abnormal radiograph finding

48 22%

Didn't work as expected

43 19%

Death

42 19%

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 abnormal cytology in dogs?: 221 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 14 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).

Abnormal cytology with similar medicines

Abnormal cytology after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 30 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Abnormal cytology after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 51 reports · 0.6% of its reports
Abnormal cytology after Meloxicam (Metacam) 30 reports · 0.4% of its reports

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal cytology