Leucopenia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

476 reports to the FDA describe leucopenia in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

476Reports
24%Marked serious
3.2%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
24 15%
1–2 days
37 23%
3–7 days
20 12%
1–4 weeks
33 20%
Over a month
50 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 3.2%
Still unwell when reported
108 23%
Died
113 24%
Euthanised
28 5.9%
Not known
212 45%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
17
1–3 years
60
4–7 years
126
8–11 years
167
12+ years
100

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 leucopenia in dogs?
476 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 8 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).

Leucopenia with similar medicines

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