Hyperphosphataemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,228 reports to the FDA describe hyperphosphataemia in dogs given Carprofen. That is 2.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,228Reports
25%Marked serious
2.9%Recovered
53%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
39 12%
1–2 days
61 18%
3–7 days
75 22%
1–4 weeks
91 27%
Over a month
68 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
28 2.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
8 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
135 11%
Died
518 42%
Euthanised
136 11%
Not known
403 33%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
86
1–3 years
125
4–7 years
297
8–11 years
419
12+ years
291

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 hyperphosphataemia in dogs?
1,228 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 6 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).

Hyperphosphataemia with similar medicines

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