Hypoadrenocorticism after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

61 reports to the FDA describe hypoadrenocorticism in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines.

61Reports

30%Marked serious

1.6%Recovered

20%Died or euthanised

211 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

0 0.0%

1–2 days

2 11%

3–7 days

2 11%

1–4 weeks

2 11%

Over a month

13 68%

How the animals did

Recovered

1 1.6%

Still unwell when reported

5 8.2%

Died

11 18%

Euthanised

1 1.6%

Not known

43 70%

Problems reported at the same time

32 52%

29 48%

23 38%

21 34%

20 33%

19 31%

19 31%

Abnormal adrenocorticotropic hormone (acth) stimulation test

19 31%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 hypoadrenocorticism in dogs?: 61 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 211 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).

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