Injection site reaction after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,109 reports to the FDA describe injection site reaction in dogs given Carprofen. That is 2.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,109Reports
39%Marked serious
15%Recovered
4.8%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
190 25%
1–2 days
123 16%
3–7 days
183 24%
1–4 weeks
188 25%
Over a month
68 9.0%

How the animals did

Recovered
160 14%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
486 44%
Died
29 2.6%
Euthanised
24 2.2%
Not known
405 37%

Problems reported at the same time

382 34%
138 12%
114 10%
76 6.9%
72 6.5%
58 5.2%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
214
1–3 years
283
4–7 years
284
8–11 years
208
12+ years
62

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 injection site reaction in dogs?
1,109 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 4 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).

Injection site reaction with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with injection site reaction