Hypoproteinaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 779 reports of hypoproteinaemia in dogs after Carprofen. That is 1.6% 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.

779Reports
24%Marked serious
3.9%Recovered
47%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
32 14%
1–2 days
38 17%
3–7 days
47 21%
1–4 weeks
60 27%
Over a month
47 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
28 3.6%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
104 13%
Died
291 37%
Euthanised
77 9.9%
Not known
277 36%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
53
1–3 years
103
4–7 years
230
8–11 years
275
12+ years
108

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 hypoproteinaemia in dogs?
779 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).

Hypoproteinaemia with similar medicines

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