Intentional misuse after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

249 reports to the FDA describe intentional misuse in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines.

249Reports
75%Marked serious
8.4%Recovered
21%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
51 24%
1–2 days
35 16%
3–7 days
23 11%
1–4 weeks
44 20%
Over a month
64 29%

How the animals did

Recovered
21 8.4%
Still unwell when reported
159 64%
Died
18 7.2%
Euthanised
34 14%
Not known
17 6.8%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
9
1–3 years
37
4–7 years
55
8–11 years
89
12+ years
57

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 intentional misuse in dogs?
249 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).

Intentional misuse with similar medicines

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