Blood in vomit after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,006 reports of blood in vomit in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,006Reports
17%Marked serious
7.0%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
30 14%
1–2 days
57 26%
3–7 days
58 27%
1–4 weeks
44 20%
Over a month
29 13%

How the animals did

Recovered
69 6.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.1%
Still unwell when reported
82 8.2%
Died
330 33%
Euthanised
39 3.9%
Not known
485 48%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
41
1–3 years
137
4–7 years
271
8–11 years
342
12+ years
194

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 blood in vomit in dogs?
1,006 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 3 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).

Blood in vomit with similar medicines

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