Hyperkalaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

343 reports to the FDA describe hyperkalaemia in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.7% 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.

343Reports
28%Marked serious
2.6%Recovered
38%Died or euthanised
24 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 6.5%
1–2 days
10 11%
3–7 days
14 15%
1–4 weeks
19 21%
Over a month
43 47%

How the animals did

Recovered
6 1.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
43 13%
Died
105 31%
Euthanised
24 7.0%
Not known
162 47%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
9
1–3 years
25
4–7 years
63
8–11 years
123
12+ years
121

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 hyperkalaemia in dogs?
343 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 24 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).

Hyperkalaemia with similar medicines

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