Didn't work as expected after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 2,515 reports of didn't work as expected in dogs after Carprofen. That is 5.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 13% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

2,515Reports
28%Marked serious
8.5%Recovered
12%Died or euthanised
21 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
215 19%
1–2 days
102 9.1%
3–7 days
119 11%
1–4 weeks
203 18%
Over a month
488 43%

How the animals did

Recovered
188 7.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
25 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
698 28%
Died
146 5.8%
Euthanised
146 5.8%
Not known
1,312 52%

Problems reported at the same time

323 13%
317 13%
287 11%
200 8.0%
122 4.9%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
87
1–3 years
196
4–7 years
492
8–11 years
846
12+ years
780

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 didn't work as expected in dogs?
2,515 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 21 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).

Didn't work as expected with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't work as expected