Decreased cholesterol (total) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

73 reports to the FDA describe decreased cholesterol (total) in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.2% 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.

73Reports

40%Marked serious

5.5%Recovered

42%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

1 3.3%

1–2 days

2 6.7%

3–7 days

12 40%

1–4 weeks

5 17%

Over a month

10 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 4.1%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 1.4%

Still unwell when reported

15 21%

Died

25 34%

Euthanised

6 8.2%

Not known

23 32%

Problems reported at the same time

57 78%

50 68%

49 67%

43 59%

41 56%

37 51%

36 49%

33 45%

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 decreased cholesterol (total) in dogs?: 73 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 8 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).

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased cholesterol (total)