Lethargy after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

9,473 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in dogs given Carprofen. That is 20% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

9,473Reports
23%Marked serious
7.9%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
600 19%
1–2 days
568 18%
3–7 days
609 19%
1–4 weeks
754 24%
Over a month
627 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
701 7.4%
Recovered with lasting effects
44 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
1,559 16%
Died
2,263 24%
Euthanised
606 6.4%
Not known
4,300 45%

Problems reported at the same time

4,342 46%
2,860 30%
1,887 20%
1,187 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
452
1–3 years
1,060
4–7 years
2,413
8–11 years
3,434
12+ years
1,973

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 lethargy in dogs?
9,473 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

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