Hypokalaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 156 reports of hypokalaemia in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

156Reports
81%Marked serious
11%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
25 19%
1–2 days
26 19%
3–7 days
23 17%
1–4 weeks
25 19%
Over a month
36 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
16 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
58 37%
Died
21 13%
Euthanised
31 20%
Not known
29 19%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
14
4–7 years
57
8–11 years
47
12+ years
27

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 hypokalaemia in dogs?
156 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 5 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).

Hypokalaemia with similar medicines

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