Increased percentage reticulocytes after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

181 reports to the FDA describe increased percentage reticulocytes in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% 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.

181Reports

50%Marked serious

6.1%Recovered

41%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

7 8.3%

1–2 days

12 14%

3–7 days

24 29%

1–4 weeks

21 25%

Over a month

20 24%

How the animals did

Recovered

9 5.0%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 1.1%

Still unwell when reported

44 24%

Died

53 29%

Euthanised

21 12%

Not known

52 29%

Problems reported at the same time

141 78%

104 57%

100 55%

89 49%

79 44%

75 41%

65 36%

57 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 increased percentage reticulocytes in dogs?: 181 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 7 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).

Increased percentage reticulocytes with similar medicines

Increased percentage reticulocytes after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 65 reports · 0.6% of its reports
Increased percentage reticulocytes after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 36 reports · 0.4% of its reports
Increased percentage reticulocytes after Meloxicam (Metacam) 21 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Increased percentage reticulocytes after Firocoxib (Previcox) 28 reports · 0.3% of its reports

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with increased percentage reticulocytes