Elevated amylase after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

706 reports to the FDA describe elevated amylase in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

706Reports
15%Marked serious
2.5%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
15 11%
1–2 days
27 21%
3–7 days
16 12%
1–4 weeks
38 29%
Over a month
35 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
16 2.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
64 9.1%
Died
227 32%
Euthanised
33 4.7%
Not known
364 52%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
18
1–3 years
53
4–7 years
159
8–11 years
289
12+ years
178

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 elevated amylase in dogs?
706 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 9 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).

Elevated amylase with similar medicines

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