Blepharospasm after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 39 reports of blepharospasm in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

39Reports
59%Marked serious
21%Recovered
5.1%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
7 37%
1–2 days
3 16%
3–7 days
2 11%
1–4 weeks
5 26%
Over a month
2 11%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 21%
Still unwell when reported
6 15%
Died
1 2.6%
Euthanised
1 2.6%
Not known
23 59%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
15
4–7 years
6
8–11 years
11
12+ years
5

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 blepharospasm in dogs?
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.
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).

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