Liver problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 13,930 reports of liver problems in dogs after Carprofen. That is 29% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

13,930Reports

15%Marked serious

3.6%Recovered

24%Died or euthanised

12 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

352 10%

1–2 days

402 12%

3–7 days

612 18%

1–4 weeks

1,165 35%

Over a month

833 25%

How the animals did

Recovered

452 3.2%

Recovered with lasting effects

43 0.3%

Still unwell when reported

2,226 16%

Died

2,722 20%

Euthanised

611 4.4%

Not known

7,876 57%

Problems reported at the same time

6,464 46%

6,140 44%

4,182 30%

3,479 25%

3,336 24%

2,007 14%

1,983 14%

1,785 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

237

1–3 years

907

4–7 years

3,285

8–11 years

5,604

12+ years

3,618

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 problems in dogs?: 13,930 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 12 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 problems with similar medicines

Liver problems after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 2,455 reports · 22% of its reports
Liver problems after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 1,142 reports · 13% of its reports
Liver problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) 1,035 reports · 13% of its reports
Liver problems after Firocoxib (Previcox) 1,344 reports · 17% of its reports

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