Liver disorder after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

205 reports to the FDA describe liver disorder in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

205Reports
63%Marked serious
7.8%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
11 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 11%
1–2 days
15 8.7%
3–7 days
33 19%
1–4 weeks
69 40%
Over a month
36 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 7.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
85 41%
Died
26 13%
Euthanised
48 23%
Not known
30 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
9
4–7 years
54
8–11 years
79
12+ years
43

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 liver disorder in dogs?
205 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 11 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).

Liver disorder with similar medicines

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