Itching after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,143 reports of itching in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

1,143Reports
25%Marked serious
14%Recovered
8.8%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
116 23%
1–2 days
89 18%
3–7 days
84 17%
1–4 weeks
87 17%
Over a month
127 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
138 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
20 1.7%
Still unwell when reported
277 24%
Died
70 6.1%
Euthanised
31 2.7%
Not known
607 53%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
75
1–3 years
144
4–7 years
246
8–11 years
392
12+ years
248

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 itching in dogs?
1,143 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 5 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).

Itching with similar medicines

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