Fever after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,555 reports to the FDA describe fever in dogs given Carprofen. That is 3.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,555Reports
27%Marked serious
5.1%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
83 16%
1–2 days
138 26%
3–7 days
113 21%
1–4 weeks
110 21%
Over a month
85 16%

How the animals did

Recovered
73 4.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
7 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
309 20%
Died
372 24%
Euthanised
111 7.1%
Not known
683 44%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
146
1–3 years
217
4–7 years
390
8–11 years
517
12+ years
263

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 fever in dogs?
1,555 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 4 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).

Fever with similar medicines

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