Elevated lipase after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 468 reports of elevated lipase in dogs after Carprofen. That is 1.0% 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.

468Reports
22%Marked serious
2.8%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 10%
1–2 days
24 19%
3–7 days
18 14%
1–4 weeks
29 23%
Over a month
41 33%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 2.4%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
72 15%
Died
115 25%
Euthanised
28 6.0%
Not known
240 51%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
6
1–3 years
39
4–7 years
104
8–11 years
176
12+ years
139

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 lipase in dogs?
468 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 10 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 lipase with similar medicines

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