Hypothyroidism after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 289 reports of hypothyroidism in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

289Reports
14%Marked serious
2.4%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
21 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
2 4.3%
1–2 days
4 8.7%
3–7 days
7 15%
1–4 weeks
15 33%
Over a month
18 39%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 1.4%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
36 12%
Died
82 28%
Euthanised
8 2.8%
Not known
156 54%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
13
4–7 years
68
8–11 years
129
12+ years
71

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 hypothyroidism in dogs?
289 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 21 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).

Hypothyroidism with similar medicines

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